The new generation MINI Cooper now comes with a 3-cylinder, turbocharged lump; have they gone backward, or is this the latest technological marvel?

Photos by Azfar Hashim

With the all-new Cooper, MINI is dangerously close to having what must be the spunky family’s ride. Yes, you read that right: I’ve just associated the keywords ‘family’ and ‘ride’ to the new MINI.

BUT just to be clear, not for a full-fledged family of five though; more for the (a) with two young kids, (b) has only one child or (b) have a kid and a dog, that sort.

Now why do I say so? Because the Cooper has grown; compared to its predecessor, the new car is 94 mm longer, 44 mm wider and 7 mm taller. Even the wheelbase has been stretched by 28 mm.

Which simply equates to a larger and more useable cabin. Most importantly, the rear can now actually accommodate two average-sized adults; you get good amount of leg and headroom and getting in and out does not require you to have the flexibility of a gymnast. Previously you had to (1) chop off the legs, (2) throw the two adults back there, and then (3) reattach the legs. It was quite a chore, really.

Also, the 211-litre boot now allows you to store some shoes and car cleaning kit; if you need more space, fold the backrest and you easily have more than 500-litres worth at your disposal (Ikea, anyone?).

MINI obviously placed quite an emphasis on the cockpit; the seats are comfortable, the steering wheel is perfectly sized and shaped, with every display clear and concise. For added convenience, you also get steering-mounted controls for the audio system and Bluetooth phone connectivity; unfortunately, paddle-shifters are not present here. The centre console should be a conversation starter - on top of being well organized and clearly laid out, every button feels solid and should be able to withstand the test of time.

To give that premium touch and also keep up with time, MINI included a mini (no pun intended) iDrive consisting of a controller with touchpad just behind the gear shifter and a 6.5-inch LCD screen; this multimedia interface allows you to have access to set up the car’s audio system and interior lighting, for example. Then there is the MINI Driving Modes around the shift gate that allows you to drive the car according to your mood; feel like driving a go-kart? ‘Sport’ mode it is then. Want to do Mother Earth a big favour? ‘Green’ mode will be your answer.

At the start of this review, I mentioned that this new Cooper gets power from a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged powerplant. Some of you readers may be skeptical with this new engine, but here is one surprise: it is very responsive, especially in Sport mode. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Cooper is capable enough to whip out 136 bhp and maximum 220 Nm from as low as 1,250 rpm - figures not only on paper, but also you can feel from your right foot. It does the 0 to 100 km/h run in 7.8 seconds and maxes out at 210 km/h.

Which also means it is eager enough to be the first off the line when the light turns green, with wheelspin when you switch off the traction control. It pulls away strongly in 1, 2 and 3, giving bigger sedans a hard time just to keep up. With such a peppy nature, it is highly suitable for peak-hour CBD and Orchard Road traffic as well, closing every gap without a hitch.

The gear shifts may not be as smooth or responsive as a dual-clutch unit, but to see it in a positive light, it does add character to the car as you can feel every up and downshifts.

Here is the other surprise though: engine noise is almost non-existent as you cruise along at expressway-legal speed in 6th. Wind and tyre noise are also kept at bay - good job MINI. In this aspect, this F56 Cooper is significantly improved over its predecessor.

But when you do stretch it, you can feel the limitation of a 3-cylinder. Don’t get me wrong though, the engine is willing to work hard with the turbocharger egging on; but past 4,500 rpm, the engine note is no where inspiring as it hits the redline.

Handling wise, the Cooper continues the tradition with that weighty and precise steering, perfectly balanced chassis and well-tuned suspension set-up. It enjoys being flicked into every tight corner or be shown a series of bends; in fact, it also leaves the driver with a big, big grin after every successful runs. That said, it does feel slightly - only slightly - softer than its predecessor. But hey, that’s not a bad thing as, at least, you won’t hear passengers complaining of broken vertebrae…

One major gripe though: the 195/55 R-16 Hankook Ventus Prime 2 rubbers tend to complaint and give up rather easily, causing the understeer gremlin to make appearances as you push it harder into corners. Thankfully, the Cooper’s traction control is ever alert to smoothen things out. Oh, the anchors are equally alert and responsive too, giving you additional confidence even in emergency situations.

As a whole, the MINI Cooper remains one of the most stylish car your money can buy for less than $150k. Sure, the new face with that bigger pair of eyes need some getting used to, and the stock rubbers seem to hold back the car’s effervescent nature. But putting into consideration the engineering marvel of an engine that would start a new trend, plus its ever capable handling character, it somehow makes sense to sign on the dotted line.

This iteration, for the first time, also proves that MINIs are not only for yuppies or moneyed non-mainstream individuals.