New for 2016
The 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door benefits from a new super-ultra-low-emissions-vehicle (SULEV) designation, thanks to a number of tech tweaks. For 2016, the Sports Package now includes dynamic dampers, which allow you adjust the suspension with the flick of a switch.
Two's Company
What do you get when you take a compact car, give it a small footprint, low center of gravity, and outstanding handling? Why, a MINI of course! The 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door is the latest in a long line of MINIs that offer nearly endless customization, high-end quality, and fun-to-drive character, while still providing a great deal of practicality for daily commutes.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door is equipped with a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. All MINI Cooper Hardtop models are front-wheel drive and come with a standard six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic is an available option.
With the automatic, the three-cylinder Cooper will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds, which is especially quick when comparted to its rivals.
Fuel economy is equally impressive, too. The EPA rates the three-cylinder engine at 32 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway) with the manual,* and 31 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway) with the automatic.*
Next up is the Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door. It's powered by 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.
You'll be happy to learn that the boost in performance in the Cooper S doesn't come with a major sacrifice in terms of fuel economy. The Cooper S models paired with the six-speed manual return an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (23 city/ 33 highway),* while models equipped with the six-speed automatic earn 29 mpg combined (26 city/ 33 highway).*
Sitting at the top of the Cooper pile is the John Cooper Works version. This particular model ups the ante with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as Cooper S, only total output raises to 228 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, acceleration is also improved, with MINI claiming the JCW can dash from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.
Features and Trims
The 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door is a two-door hatchback. It's also available as a four-door model, which we cover in a separate review. Please note that the Hardtop 2 Door is mechanically identical to 4 Door, the only difference being the addition of the John Cooper Works model, which is exclusive to the Hardtop 2 Door
The 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door starts at $20,700** and is available in base, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works trims.
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 2 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
Deceptively charming and distinctly MINI is perhaps the best way to describe the 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door. Its wheels are pushed to the corners for a wide, go-kart stance, which is ideal for weight distribution and directly contributes to Cooper 2 Door's thoroughly enjoyable handling.
Other signature MINI styling elements can be seen throughout the exterior, too. The oval headlights are classic MINI, as is the steeply raked windshield and large, jewel-shaped taillights. Rounding out the car's racing vibe are dual exhaust pipes placed in the center of the rear.
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 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 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
The 2016 Cooper Hardtop 2 Door is the consummate MINI. This isn't your average car that's only interested in getting you from point A to point B. No, what permeates the entire MINI lineup is a desire to get you where you need to go in style, and while having the most fun you've ever had behind the wheel.
We're happy to say that the Cooper Hardtop 2 Door delivers. Its easy-to-love driving dynamics will keep you enthralled, while its incredibly fuel efficient powertrains won't eat away at your bank account.
There is a more enjoyable way to drive and it starts with MINI. Contact or visit us at 3Birds Template today to schedule your test drive.
* MPG values are based on EPA estimates for model year 2016. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle operation.
** Model year 2016 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.
Image: MINI
