Former MINI Cooper S owner here. Loved mine. Drove it for more than 5 years without a single issue. Only required standard maintenance. These cars are great fun to drive. Yes, they are small, but most people overestimate how much car they need anyway.
Just went from a 2012 tundra crew max to a bmw x1 m35i. I missed driving a car that drives like a “car” and not a bus and is easy to park with good mpg. The only downside is you feel small on the road because everyone drives over sized, unnecessarily massive cars. I really hope the stupid truck popularity dies soon and people start buying more reasonably sized cars…
Tom, I am so old I remember when 'configurable' wasn't even a word yet you could order your Chevy, Ford or Dodge in 4-5 body styles with 16-22 different exterior colours and a choice of 6 different interiors with countless engine and transmission options. Best of all, this surfeit of specificity was specified on paper. Kudos to Mini for keeping things....... configurable.
Hey Tom, I really enjoy your reviews… and, as a very happy owner of a MINI Cooper F66, you were spot-on with this one. Of course, the F65 5-door offers more rear room & luggage space, and it's just as much fun to drive. With regards to ADAS & Start/Stop control functions being accessed via the MIU (round OLED screen) - there are shortcuts available from the home screen, and you can also make your own shortcuts (swipe up from the bottom of the screen). After 6 months / 5k miles, I've got everything working - just the way I like. BTW: does Costco let you borrow the large toilet-paper packs for your tests… or do you consume more of this stuff than the inhabitants of an average English town?! 😂 Next time you visit the UK, be sure to join one of the Oxford Plant factory-tours. This factory (we were told on my recent visit) is one of the very best for quality in BMW's international network. Keep making great content - and thanks.
Ah, right, should have considered the shortcuts. would love to see the plant, just need to get there! And about the TP Test-ruclips.net/video/y7wLdXRrjc0/видео.html
Another great review. I believe EV production will transfer to Oxford at some point. Europe is also looking at tariffs for Chinese cars. Maybe then North America will get the electric version.
Tom, I enjoy your reviews. In this case though, I think you might be overstating the Mini's configurabilty. Buyers are locked into certain choices or feature sets when selecting 'iconic' or 'favored' trims. Certain roof colors are not available with certain body paints and there are many fewer permutations of features you can choose especially when compared to years past.
@2:20 The F66 doesn’t have a naturally aspirated option. The base is a 1.5L turbo 3 cylinder. The last NA MINI sold, was the N16 engine, back in 2014 for the Cooper and 2016 for the Countryman.
We're both wrong. The standard and S both have 2-liter 4-cylinders. I read the spec sheet wrong, the standard model has a turbo, but doesn't pump out as much power as the S.
Mini Coopers used to be driver’s cars and now they have no manual, no stick to slap, and no paddles on the wheel. They Jaguar’d themselves way before Jaguar did it. But at least they have people with quirky hair in their commercials 🤪
@@TheDuds33 one reason they don't give you paddles cause the gear box will break, once people start manual shifting... again it's all about cost cutting. They don't give customers top of shelf parts ✌️😎 Mini is owned by BMW afterall. German business philosophy maybe? Look at BMW Merc etc regardless you're already buying the most expensive one. Everything is still optional and they all cost a fortune.
I have an SE.. it’s great. Lots more zip than the S.. which I also had. Charges fast etc. on a level 2. Also had a Taycan 4S CT. Those cars are great for style. (To be seen in) But the Taycan is not $100,000 more fun than the SE..2024 and earlier limited range for that amount of $$$. I’m waiting for the 2025s which I am hearing have 350 miles of range (maybe more)
Tom - Thank you for the look at the updated Mini - and the small & fun one at that!! Another excellent concise look. Always appreciated!! If not Taycan, …… maybe shop the ‘25 Mach-e or Mach-e GT?? After 3-6 months of no more EV credits, Ford may be laying $$ even on the hood of the ‘25’s next year. And updates including heat pump, suspension on base and premium, larger/more efficient motor in back (from Lightning?) …. First MAJOR updates to Mach-e since intro. Has my attention for possible, more road-trip happy EVs than my ‘22 ID.4. Great review!
The Taycan and I go way back, so it means something to me. When I was with NYT and "important" I was a handful of writers that knew it was coming before it debuted as Mission E. I was the first US guy to drive the prototype and among the first to drive the production model. Also, it''s awesome to drive and look at.
Tom, who do we petition to get you a Macan 4/4S/Turbo EV to do a 3 day drive for review?? Maybe it’s the northern-weather and road-trip friendly compromise in the Porsche brand. Spread of power, all with active suspension, opening roof, more touring-style ride and near 300 miles depending on output. My importance level is pretty minuscule so I’m probably out for the wide-eyed look I’d get from my insurance agent .. Oh - And NYT’s loss is certainly our gain. Thank you for the great looks at new drives!
The original was 1,300-1,500 lbs. The BMW mini is simply a marketing exercise in how to exploit a legend, the only reason it is even selling is there is not many cars in the segment - however something small from Asia will be a much better choice and it won't be a caricature like the Mini. Or you can go with the Fiat 500, while also not small like its original it is much closer to the spirit of the original.
I will admit that the marketing boffins won with the Mini, but I will forever see the BMW Mini as a perversion of the original Mini in all sort of ways - here is why: - The original Mini was innovative, cheap to buy, cheap to run, practical for its size and drove like a hoot - it weight less than half that of the current "Mini". This new "Mini" is neither of those things ie. not cheap in any way, not super practical for its size and physics means driving the current one is not nearly as special as to the original (neither one drives like a go-kart, only go-karts drives like go-karts, it is physics). - The original was original, this one is a cynical marketing exercise just like the New Bettle was and the Mustang Mach-E . There is no soul, originality or anything - just the wish to make money.
The MINI is probably the only car that transcends generations and gender identifications. As boomers die off, the New Beetle, the PT Cruiser, the Chevrolet HHR and SSR, the Ford Thunderbird disappeared as well, but the MINI soldiers on. I guess the reasons are twofold: the old car was mostly a British thing, so the New MINI felt fresh in the US 25 years ago, also it is true to its original concept: a compact front-wheel drive hatchback, although the 2025 MINI is 25% wider and longer than the original one. But these days I applaud any car that is shorter than 4m and narrower than 1.8m. I think they botched the rear lights though for no apparent reason, now it looks almost like Renault 5 or Toyota Yaris. I also hate the busy UI and LEDs everywhere. Too much digital for my taste. And no manual? This is sacrilege. I would take a Golf Mk7 (not Mk8) over this MINI anytime. In fact, I have. My 2017 GTi with 6-speed manual has a modest 6.5-inch display, which is nevertheless usable for navigation and Android Auto. Everything else is analog and looks and feels great. I expect car manufacturers to start charging extra for "analog experience".
Norway and China give massive subsidies to purchase and operate electric. And they’ve built out their charging infrastructure. US isn’t there yet on the charging infrastructure (especially at apartment complexes). And US is 30 times larger than Norway.
Nonsense! MINI F66 owner here… and your comment is both incorrect and 'crap' 😉 The HUD - in combination with the MIU (round OLED screen) is excellent. I've driven 5,000 miles looking at my HUD… and I'll bet you've never even sat in one of the new generation cars. 🙄
@alioscopy-glasses-free-3D yeah I got to agree with you I don't own it by Saturday one and test drove it and it was great. I don't understand why people waste their time to even comment like this. I just don't get it
Hey Tom, I really enjoy your reviews… and, as a very happy owner of a MINI Cooper F66, you were spot-on with this one. Of course, the F65 5-door offers more rear room & luggage space, and it's just as much fun to drive. With regards to ADAS & Start/Stop control functions being accessed via the MIU (round OLED screen) - there are shortcuts available from the home screen, and you can also make your own shortcuts (swipe up from the bottom of the screen). After 6 months / 5k miles, I've got everything working - just the way I like. BTW: does Costco let you borrow the large toilet-paper packs for your tests… or do you consume more of this stuff than the inhabitants of an average English town?! 😂 Next time you visit the UK, be sure to join one of the Oxford Plant factory-tours. This factory (we were told on my recent visit) is one of the very best for quality in BMW's international network. Keep making great content - and thanks.
Former MINI Cooper S owner here. Loved mine. Drove it for more than 5 years without a single issue. Only required standard maintenance. These cars are great fun to drive. Yes, they are small, but most people overestimate how much car they need anyway.
Agreed, all the way around.
Mericans love pick up trucks but you see them alot in second hand markets with only the drivers seat worn out🤣
Just went from a 2012 tundra crew max to a bmw x1 m35i. I missed driving a car that drives like a “car” and not a bus and is easy to park with good mpg. The only downside is you feel small on the road because everyone drives over sized, unnecessarily massive cars. I really hope the stupid truck popularity dies soon and people start buying more reasonably sized cars…
Tom, I am so old I remember when 'configurable' wasn't even a word yet you could order your Chevy, Ford or Dodge in 4-5 body styles with 16-22 different exterior colours and a choice of 6 different interiors with countless engine and transmission options. Best of all, this surfeit of specificity was specified on paper. Kudos to Mini for keeping things....... configurable.
Hey Tom,
I really enjoy your reviews… and, as a very happy owner of a MINI Cooper F66, you were spot-on with this one.
Of course, the F65 5-door offers more rear room & luggage space, and it's just as much fun to drive.
With regards to ADAS & Start/Stop control functions being accessed via the MIU (round OLED screen) - there are shortcuts available from the home screen, and you can also make your own shortcuts (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
After 6 months / 5k miles, I've got everything working - just the way I like.
BTW: does Costco let you borrow the large toilet-paper packs for your tests… or do you consume more of this stuff than the inhabitants of an average English town?! 😂
Next time you visit the UK, be sure to join one of the Oxford Plant factory-tours. This factory (we were told on my recent visit) is one of the very best for quality in BMW's international network.
Keep making great content - and thanks.
Ah, right, should have considered the shortcuts. would love to see the plant, just need to get there! And about the TP Test-ruclips.net/video/y7wLdXRrjc0/видео.html
Iconic cute now working on reliability and we'll build fitness
Convertible is the way to go.🙂
Can't wait for a convertible SE
Nice review, Cheers.
☕☕ Happy Tuesday
Another great review. I believe EV production will transfer to Oxford at some point. Europe is also looking at tariffs for Chinese cars. Maybe then North America will get the electric version.
My neighbor has an electric MINI - 100 mile range and he likes it.
Yup. Just a blast to bump around in. And I generally never need more than 50 miles.
Tom, I enjoy your reviews. In this case though, I think you might be overstating the Mini's configurabilty. Buyers are locked into certain choices or feature sets when selecting 'iconic' or 'favored' trims. Certain roof colors are not available with certain body paints and there are many fewer permutations of features you can choose especially when compared to years past.
That's the way it is with any vehicle. But MINI (even though it isn't quite as configurable as before) is tough to beat.
Would love an AWD option in this size mini. Great video!
@2:20 The F66 doesn’t have a naturally aspirated option. The base is a 1.5L turbo 3 cylinder. The last NA MINI sold, was the N16 engine, back in 2014 for the Cooper and 2016 for the Countryman.
We're both wrong. The standard and S both have 2-liter 4-cylinders. I read the spec sheet wrong, the standard model has a turbo, but doesn't pump out as much power as the S.
Shame there's no manual trans. available. Nice review as always.
Tom great review as always. Now get that Porsche Taycan before the Mrs. changes her mind 😂.
She's been wildly supportive. Just need to find the right one. May take a while.
37k for a Mini. Phenominal car since day one... but that's disgusting.
Owner of a ‘24 Cooper S dct and a ‘19 Countryman JCW 6spd
To say the least I love MINI
Love my 2014 Cooper S, but no manual in the 2025 is deal breaker for me.
Mini Coopers used to be driver’s cars and now they have no manual, no stick to slap, and no paddles on the wheel. They Jaguar’d themselves way before Jaguar did it. But at least they have people with quirky hair in their commercials 🤪
Nowadays it's all about maximizing the profit margin, cost cutting... for their big fat bonus cheques
Yeah, needs a manual or at least paddle shifters.
@@TheDuds33 one reason they don't give you paddles cause the gear box will break, once people start manual shifting... again it's all about cost cutting. They don't give customers top of shelf parts ✌️😎
Mini is owned by BMW afterall. German business philosophy maybe? Look at BMW Merc etc regardless you're already buying the most expensive one. Everything is still optional and they all cost a fortune.
I willing to bet that Jag ad is a red herring.
I have an SE.. it’s great. Lots more zip than the S.. which I also had. Charges fast etc. on a level 2. Also had a Taycan 4S CT. Those cars are great for style. (To be seen in) But the Taycan is not $100,000 more fun than the SE..2024 and earlier limited range for that amount of $$$. I’m waiting for the 2025s which I am hearing have 350 miles of range (maybe more)
the UI on that center dinner plate is horrendous!
I want the EV version. I would be perfect for the second car in city living. No SE in the states, so no sale then.
Tom - Thank you for the look at the updated Mini - and the small & fun one at that!! Another excellent concise look. Always appreciated!!
If not Taycan, …… maybe shop the ‘25 Mach-e or Mach-e GT?? After 3-6 months of no more EV credits, Ford may be laying $$ even on the hood of the ‘25’s next year. And updates including heat pump, suspension on base and premium, larger/more efficient motor in back (from Lightning?) …. First MAJOR updates to Mach-e since intro.
Has my attention for possible, more road-trip happy EVs than my ‘22 ID.4. Great review!
The Taycan and I go way back, so it means something to me. When I was with NYT and "important" I was a handful of writers that knew it was coming before it debuted as Mission E. I was the first US guy to drive the prototype and among the first to drive the production model. Also, it''s awesome to drive and look at.
Tom, who do we petition to get you a Macan 4/4S/Turbo EV to do a 3 day drive for review?? Maybe it’s the northern-weather and road-trip friendly compromise in the Porsche brand. Spread of power, all with active suspension, opening roof, more touring-style ride and near 300 miles depending on output. My importance level is pretty minuscule so I’m probably out for the wide-eyed look I’d get from my insurance agent ..
Oh - And NYT’s loss is certainly our gain. Thank you for the great looks at new drives!
@@daves1646 I'm way ahead of you. Apparently, Porsche press vehicles don't arrive until 1/25. Hoping to get on the list ASAP.
Porsche FTW 😅
Wheels are too big. Smaller wheels / more rubber would be better. No Union Jack in the back anymore 😢.
Why is this car so dang heavy? It should be under 3,000 lbs.
The original was 1,300-1,500 lbs.
The BMW mini is simply a marketing exercise in how to exploit a legend, the only reason it is even selling is there is not many cars in the segment - however something small from Asia will be a much better choice and it won't be a caricature like the Mini. Or you can go with the Fiat 500, while also not small like its original it is much closer to the spirit of the original.
@@bzdtemp but fiat 500 is far from original now only offered with electric powertrain.
I will admit that the marketing boffins won with the Mini, but I will forever see the BMW Mini as a perversion of the original Mini in all sort of ways - here is why:
- The original Mini was innovative, cheap to buy, cheap to run, practical for its size and drove like a hoot - it weight less than half that of the current "Mini". This new "Mini" is neither of those things ie. not cheap in any way, not super practical for its size and physics means driving the current one is not nearly as special as to the original (neither one drives like a go-kart, only go-karts drives like go-karts, it is physics).
- The original was original, this one is a cynical marketing exercise just like the New Bettle was and the Mustang Mach-E . There is no soul, originality or anything - just the wish to make money.
Used Taycans are a thing.
Where’s the Minu EV? Btw, the car is now, uh, German.
Responded with 5.21pm but it's 5.43pm on the screen...?
Bad editing. I suppose I have to fire me.
@DrivenCarReviews nahhh, just give the editor a smaller christmas bonus
@@fist003 He already makes less than minimum wage. One of the reasons I keep him around. 😉
The MINI is probably the only car that transcends generations and gender identifications. As boomers die off, the New Beetle, the PT Cruiser, the Chevrolet HHR and SSR, the Ford Thunderbird disappeared as well, but the MINI soldiers on. I guess the reasons are twofold: the old car was mostly a British thing, so the New MINI felt fresh in the US 25 years ago, also it is true to its original concept: a compact front-wheel drive hatchback, although the 2025 MINI is 25% wider and longer than the original one. But these days I applaud any car that is shorter than 4m and narrower than 1.8m. I think they botched the rear lights though for no apparent reason, now it looks almost like Renault 5 or Toyota Yaris. I also hate the busy UI and LEDs everywhere. Too much digital for my taste. And no manual? This is sacrilege.
I would take a Golf Mk7 (not Mk8) over this MINI anytime. In fact, I have. My 2017 GTi with 6-speed manual has a modest 6.5-inch display, which is nevertheless usable for navigation and Android Auto. Everything else is analog and looks and feels great. I expect car manufacturers to start charging extra for "analog experience".
Vroooom
Overpriced.
Fuel???? When 98% in Norway and 50% in China buy electric cars.... that's ridiculous.
Norway and China give massive subsidies to purchase and operate electric. And they’ve built out their charging infrastructure. US isn’t there yet on the charging infrastructure (especially at apartment complexes). And US is 30 times larger than Norway.
@@tommihelich2613 with x60 times the population. Where is American innovation then? People of pioneers... no more?
No manual, no care.
Small fun & unreliable
Nobody cares about this car.
HUD is crap....
Um can you like explain??
Nonsense!
MINI F66 owner here… and your comment is both incorrect and 'crap' 😉
The HUD - in combination with the MIU (round OLED screen) is excellent.
I've driven 5,000 miles looking at my HUD… and I'll bet you've never even sat in one of the new generation cars. 🙄
@alioscopy-glasses-free-3D yeah I got to agree with you I don't own it by Saturday one and test drove it and it was great. I don't understand why people waste their time to even comment like this. I just don't get it
Hey Tom,
I really enjoy your reviews… and, as a very happy owner of a MINI Cooper F66, you were spot-on with this one.
Of course, the F65 5-door offers more rear room & luggage space, and it's just as much fun to drive.
With regards to ADAS & Start/Stop control functions being accessed via the MIU (round OLED screen) - there are shortcuts available from the home screen, and you can also make your own shortcuts (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
After 6 months / 5k miles, I've got everything working - just the way I like.
BTW: does Costco let you borrow the large toilet-paper packs for your tests… or do you consume more of this stuff than the inhabitants of an average English town?! 😂
Next time you visit the UK, be sure to join one of the Oxford Plant factory-tours. This factory (we were told on my recent visit) is one of the very best for quality in BMW's international network.
Keep making great content - and thanks.
Never realized Minis were FWD. Too bad, looks fun otherwise.
One of the first if not the first FWD hatchbacks with transversal engine. If you did not know it before, why do care now?