New 2024 MINI Cooper petrol hatch unveiled

The wraps have come off the internal-combustion 2024 MINI Cooper ahead of the three-door hatchback’s Australian launch in the third quarter of this year.

Local pricing and specification details are still to be confirmed for the petrol-engined versions of the BMW-owned British brand’s latest compact car, which looks almost identical to the battery-electric 2024 MINI Cooper E and SE.

However, unlike the EV models that are underpinned by an all-new dedicated electric car platform, the turbo-petrol ICE-powered MINI Cooper range is based on the current platform and heavily facelifted rather than fully redesigned.

The combustion-engine model line-up is comprised of the Cooper C and Cooper S, with the letter representative of a different powertrain.

Under the bonnet of the Cooper C is a 115kW/230Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine, which drives the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – as per the MINI Countryman SUV.

The Cooper S features a bigger 150kW/300Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – figures which help it trim the Cooper’s 0-100km/h time down from 7.7 seconds to 6.6sec.

Fuel economy for the pair is rated at between 5.9-6.1L/100km for the three-cylinder and 6.1-6.7L/100km for the four-cylinder.

The ICE hatch range will be offered internationally in four model grades – Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW (John Cooper Works).

Inside, you’ll find a familiar array of MINI funkiness and functionality, with the signature circular display now spanning 9.4 inches and serving both as the infotainment interface and virtual cockpit in a similar fashion to Tesla and Volvo.

Other quirky details include the EV-style ‘toggle bar’ on the dash, where drivers will also find the parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, drive mode selector, volume control and demister button.

The centre console looks to be dedicated almost entirely to wireless device charging, while the new steering wheel is especially chunky.

Cargo space behind the second row is rated at 210 litres but expands up to 800L when the split-folding seats are stowed.

Other practical touches including dual-connection Bluetooth, ‘Hey MINI’ voice control and digital key compatibility.

“At MINI, ‘Power of Choice’ means that in addition to all-electric MINI models, we also offer models such as the new MINI Cooper with a petrol engine,” said global MINI boss Stafanie Wurst.

“The car is ideal for all those people who want to drive a classic MINI three-door and appreciate the traditional performance and characteristic sound of a combustion engine.”

The Australian release of the Cooper C and Cooper S will coincide with the introduction of the electric Cooper E and Cooper SE variants in the third quarter.

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