2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop S

Model Highlights

MINI is credited with bringing the first premium compact car to America, proving that high quality and small packaging were not necessarily mutually exclusive concepts. Thoroughly engineered with a well put-together feel, all the Coopers in the MINI lineup are praised for their agility and fun-to-drive factor and all of that returns for 2015 in the form of MINI hardtop. For 2015, the MINI Cooper Hardtop comes with a choice of 2- or 4-door body styles, while each body style is available in either Cooper or Cooper S trim. The more basic Cooper version is powered by a turbocharged 1.5L 3-cylinder engine. While diminutive and featuring only 3-cylinders, this powerplant, makes 134 horsepower and 162 lb-feet of torque, more than the old 4-cylinder engine found in MINI Coopers of years past. Transmission options include either a standard 6-speed Getrag manual or a 6-speed automatic. The Cooper S adds an additional level of performance to the MINI. It's powered by a 189-hp turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. The Getrag 6-speed is also standard on S models. A 6-speed automatic is available, as are steering-wheel mounted shift paddles. MINI is a bit different than other brands out there, offering little difference between trim models other than engine choices. Buyers are instead welcomed to option their cars up individually or through option packages, of which there are many. Being a bit of a premium small car, the MINI Cooper Hardtop is available with several upscale features including a heads up display, a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, automated parking assist, a Harman/Kardon sound system and leather seating. In addition, MINI's customization program is legendary. The automaker wants buyers to make the car their own-- allowing them to go beyond simple alloy wheels and paint colors and offering hood stripes, mirror caps, roof décor and a dazzling array of interior upholstery options.