Big Things Come in Small Packages

Not all small cars are basic econoboxes. For over a decade, BMW has sold fun, stylish small cars under the MINI brand, taking one of the most iconic cars of the 1960s and making it relevant for today. A 2017 MINI Hardtop offers the same benefits as any other small car, but with a fun-to-drive feel that sets it apart from other cars.

Performance

The 2017 MINI Cooper Hardtop continues to deliver a driving experience that's unlike any other car, with zippy handling that earns the “go-kart” description the MINI brand touts as central to its design ethos. Indeed, with such responsive and dialed-in handling, MINI models show that power and speed aren’t the only things that make driving a car fun.

MINI offers the Hardtop in Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works trims. The Cooper uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that sends 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 2017 Cooper Hardtop will do 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds with the manual, or 7.3 seconds with the automatic, MINI says. EPA-rated fuel economy is 32 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 38 mpg highway)* with the manual, and 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway)* with the automatic.

For a little extra spice, the Cooper S Hardtop packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. It will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds with the manual transmission and 6.4 seconds with the automatic, according to MINI. With the manual, the 2017 Cooper S gets an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway),* while automatic models get 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway).*

The sportiest 2017 MINI Hardtop model is the John Cooper Works. It gets a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbo four with 228 hp and 236 lb-ft. That gets the automatic 2017 John Cooper Works from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds (the manual takes 6.1 seconds), while the EPA rates fuel economy at the same as the Cooper S, regardless of the transmission.

Features

The 2017 MINI Hardtop is a three-door, four-seat hatchback. Note that MINI also offers a Hardtop 4 Door model, as well as a Convertible and Clubman wagon, based on the same platform. Pricing for the 2017 Hardtop starts at $20,950.**

Standard equipment on the Cooper includes 15-inch wheels, multifunction sport steering wheel, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, MINI Connected infotainment system with 6.5-inch Visual Boost Screen, Bluetooth® streaming audio, voice control, a center armrest, and other features.

The Cooper S includes all of the applicable standard equipment from the Cooper as well as 16-inch wheels, leatherette sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, MINI Driving Modes, and other equipment. The John Cooper Works adds its own unique exterior styling and performance upgrades, LED headlights, and 17-inch wheels.

In addition to the standard equipment, MINI offers a long list of options that includes a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, auto-dimming, power-folding exterior mirrors, harman/kardon® audio system, and navigation. MINI also offers numerous customization options from racing stripes to a Union Jack roof.

Design

Just as important as its energetic handling is the 2017 MINI Hardtop’s iconic style. That style ties it back to the original 1960s BMC Mini and gives today’s MINI Hardtop (not to mention the other MINI models) a look distinct from anything else on the road.

The current MINI is much bigger than the ‘60s original, but styling elements like big round headlights, the classic MINI grille, and chunky rectangular taillights tie the new model back to the original. Wheels pushed out to the corners give the Hardtop an athletic stance, while the 2017 John Cooper Works model adds sportier styling features like a body kit and rear spoiler.

The interior is just as funky as ever, but it’s also more functional than in previous BMW-developed MINI models. The big central dial now houses the infotainment system, while gauges are housed in a more conventional cluster in front of the steering wheel. All of the materials feel high quality, showing the influence of MINI’s German parent. Plus, you activate the ignition with a toggle switch. How cool is that?

Despite its small size, the MINI Hardtop isn’t impractical. It features seating for four and a useful 8.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, or 34.0 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 MINI Hardtop includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and eight standard airbags. A rearview camera and park distance control are available as options.

Verdict

The 2017 MINI Hardtop is a fun and fashionable small car that will give you miles of enjoyment. 

Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule a test drive.

*MPG values are based on preliminary EPA estimates for model year 2017. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle operation.

**Model year 2017 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 Credit: MINI