4 is More
The MINI Cooper Hardtop is a great car. It’s cool looking, fun to drive, and endlessly customizable. The only downside becomes apparent if you need to carry more than one passenger. But MINI solved that problem with the 2015 Cooper Hardtop 4 Door, which gets two extra doors and a whole lot more utility, while retaining MINI's beloved trademark styling and driving experience.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door is available with the same pair of spunky powertrains as the standard Cooper and Cooper S. They punch well above their weight even in the longer four-door model.
The base Cooper gets a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. All MINI Cooper Hardtop models are front-wheel drive, with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
With the manual, the three-cylinder Cooper will scoot from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, or 7.7 seconds with the automatic. The top speed of both models is 129 mph.
You’d expect a tiny engine in a tiny car to return great fuel economy, and you’d be right. The EPA rates the three-cylinder engine at 33 mpg combined (29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway) with the manual,* and 31 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway) with the automatic.*
If you want a little more speed, there’s also the Cooper S Hardtop 4 Door, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, it will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 mph. It takes 6.5 seconds with the automatic, and tops out at 144 mph.
That extra performance doesn’t require a major sacrifice in fuel economy, though. Official EPA ratings aren’t in yet, but MINI says the Cooper S will achieve 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 37 mpg highway) with the manual, and 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway) with the automatic.
Features and Trims
The 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door is a, err, four-door hatchback. Most people would call a vehicle like this a five-door, but MINI likes to be different. Keep in mind that the Hardtop 4 Door is mechanically identical to the standard Hardtop, but with two extra doors.
This little hatchback is available in the aforementioned Cooper and Cooper S trim levels, starting at $21,700.**
Standard features on the Cooper include a three-spoke sport steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, a climate-controlled glovebox, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, performance suspension, 15-inch alloy wheels, and built-in HD Radio compatibility.
In addition to the bigger four-cylinder engine and the standard features of the Cooper, the Cooper S adds sport seats, a hood scoop, LED fog lights, and run-flat tires, among other features.
That’s not all, though. MINI offers tons of individual options and styling upgrades that can ensure your Cooper Hardtop 4 Door is like no other.
Notable options include a rear spoiler (on Cooper S models), a Harman/Kardon® Premium sound system, the Wired Package with an 8.8-inch infotainment display and navigation, and head-up display.
In addition, there’s an entire section of “you-ification” options on the MINI website, including multiple wheel designs, chrome trim, different interior trim options, and even racing stripes. Customization is a fun part of owning a car that most people don’t have the time or money to experience, but MINI makes it easy.
Design
The 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door features the same styling as the two-door Cooper Hardtop - just a little longer.
The current MINI is significantly larger than the last generation—and positively gigantic compared to the original 1960s BMC Mini—but it’s still small by today’s standards, and maintains the styling features of its predecessors. MINI notes that it comes standard with a “Wide Bulldog Stance.”
To that cute starting point, the 4 Door gets a 2.9-inch wheelbase stretch, and grows by 6.3 inches in overall length. That makes room for a three-passenger rear bench seat and a slightly larger cargo area, giving the MINI Cooper some added utility without sacrificing its trademark size and style.
That style continues to the interior, which is set off by a steering-wheel mounted speedometer and tachometer, and the round center dial display from previous MINI models. It now houses the infotainment display, and is ringed by a glowing mood light.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, side, driver and front-passenger knee, and side-curtain airbags.
Optional features include a backup camera, rear park-distance control, and a park-assist package.
Bottom Line
By adding two more doors to the Cooper Hardtop, MINI brings added versatility without fundamentally changing the car’s character.
For our very best deals, be sure to explore our long list of incentives. And for more information, or to schedule a test drive, don't hesitate to contact us at 3Birds Template today.
* MPG values are based on preliminary EPA estimates for model year 2015. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle operation, Hwy/Cty/Comb MPG
** Model year 2015 MSRP does not include destination and handling, charge of $850 and excludes license, registration, taxes, and options and labor to install. Certain features may be optional. Actual price determined by your authorized MINI dealer.
Image: MINI
