Refreshingly The Same, But What Is Different For The 2018 MINI Cooper 3 Door?
I have always liked how the MINI hatch handled, and having driven a few in Bali, with some very nice turns, and again moire recently on another road trip from Bangkok to Khao Yai in Thailand, I’ve come to appreciate how the car’s handling is sharp, steering responsive and the way it simply engages you.
The familiar 3-cylinder 1.5 litre turbocharged engine is a carry over from the pre-facelifted car. Some recycling for thought, the Cooper’s engine cover is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), sourced from BMW i production (which relies on carbon fibre as part of their build), the waste carbon fibre is basically re-purposed for this purpose.
With 136hp on-tap, and a very healthy 220Nm from 1,480-4,200rpm, the little 3-banger is actually pretty lively, with a new 7-speed quick-shifting dual-clutch Steptronic transmission putting power to the front wheels. In addition, its coasting function, which works in MID and Green drive modes, where the drive disconnects with the engine aids in lowering fuel consumption, with the Cooper achieving a combined lab tested 18.9km/l.
Acceleration is typical of turbocharged cars, with the surge of torque building up very quickly. Rev the engine hard, and you can hear the characteristic raspy note from the front. At 1,235kg, the 3 Door Cooper may not be close to anything super light for its dimensions, however its 7.8 second century sprint timing is quite impressive really.
With its short overhangs, and its sharp and accurate steering, the tiny car is loads of fun around the bends, and being seated in the centre-rear position of the car, the 3-door is truly THE car where MINI’s Go-Kart magic really happens. Understeer is minimal, and you will at all times know how the rear of the car follows the lead of the front wheels.
Ride comfort is decent, but with the short wheelbase already providing less time between the front and rear wheels hitting the same bump; it’s Dunlop DSST runflat tyres are not the nicest thing to have in this case, with self-supporting walls, the air in the tyres would definitely do less to take away the jolts.
But overall, we cannot deny that the 3 door Cooper is really a joy to live with.
The 3 door MINI is a very personal car, ideal for those who enjoy their personal space, and who would love a little bit of fun while on the road.
And speaking about living with the car earlier on, there is also no denying that MINIs are quite the ideal canvas for personalisation.
At around $130,000, there is not much in terms of physical car you are buying, but truly justifiable by the intangible joy you will get from the driver experience.
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