Mini Cooper 3 DOOR Inspired Edition

3 DOOR Inspired Edition Review

The iconic British luxury car maker, Mini has added a petrol trim in its 3 Door hatchback series, which is christened as Mini 3 DooR Cooper S . It will compete against the likes of Mercedes Benz A Class, BMW 1 Series, Volvo V40 Cross Country and others in this segment. This hatchback is powered by 2.0-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1998cc. It has the ability of churning out a maximum power of 189bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 280Nm, which is rather decent for Indian road conditions. On the other hand, this vehicle is bestowed with a proficient disc braking mechanism, which are further loaded with superior brake calipers. Furthermore, it is incorporated with an advanced anti lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function, which reinforces this mechanism. At the same time, it is also integrated with aspects like an electronic stability control and other traction control programs, which helps to keep it agile. It looks mostly identical to the existing Cooper D trim, but there are certain cosmetics, which emphasizes its exclusivity. To start with the external appearance, it has a stylish body structure with bold radiator grille, round shaped headlamps with chrome wraparound and many other such aspects. At the same time, its internal cabin is quite spacious and it is designed in dual tone color scheme. The seats are well cushioned and covered with carbon black leatherette upholstery. In terms of safety, this hatchback is bestowed with dual airbags, 3-point seat belts for all passengers, crash sensors, cornering brake control, dynamic stability control and so on. All these features put together makes it one of safest vehicles in its segment.

Exteriors:

To start with the front profile, it is designed with a bold radiator grille that has a horizontally positioned strip that is accompanied by a license plate console. This grille also has a thick chrome surround, which gives a radiant look to the front facade. It is flanked by a round shaped headlamps, which have chrome wraparound and gives the frontage an attractive look. It is incorporated with powerful LED headlamps along with distinctly designed day time running light. The body colored bumper houses a wide air intake section for cooling the powerful engine and it is flanked by a pair of fog lamps that adds to the visibility. The bonnet has a classy design, which is embodied with a sleek air vent that gives it a sporty look. The overall look of its front facade is complimented by the iconic company's insignia, which is embedded above the radiator grille. As far as its side profile is concerned, its flared up wheel arches are fitted with a classy set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which are further embedded with 'MINI' lettering. However, the most attractive aspect about its side profile is its dynamic roof-lining, which is painted in black color. Furthermore, its pillars along with rear spoiler and external wing mirrors are treated in high gloss black. At the same time, its side air outlets and the door handles gets a chrome treatment, which gives a distinctive stance to its side profile. Coming to the rear end, it gets a luminous taillight cluster, which also has a thick chrome surround. It houses powerful brake lamps along with courtesy lights and turn indicators. The curvy boot lid is embossed with a matte black strip that is embedded with company's logo. The rear bumper has an intimidating design owing to it body colored lower cladding that houses a pair of chrome plated exhaust pipes along with two additional brake lamps. The overall look of this Mini 3 Door Cooper S trim is complimented by the chrome plated belt-line molding, which is given all over the facets.

Interiors:

The company has given this hatchback a spacious internal cabin, which is designed in a two tone color scheme and is complimented by lot of chrome inserts. In addition to this, buyers can also personalize its interior trims with one of the several different color schemes provided by the company at an additional cost. Its dashboard is quite smooth and it is equipped with various features like a large glove box with cooling effect, chrome accentuated AC vents and a three spoke steering wheel with multifunctional switches. It is also fitted with a new infotainment unit featuring a touchscreen display that is incorporated with a navigation system and a hard drive for audio files. It also provides touch controls for audio along with other functions of this vehicle. The advanced instrument cluster is positioned behind the steering wheel. It provides several informatics like vehicle's speed, rpm meter, fuel levels and a few other notification lamps for keeping the driver updated. At the same time, individuals can also opt for a head-up display, which projects the vehicle's speed and navigation right in the line of driver's sight. Its cockpit is furnished with comfortable seats, which are covered with premium quality fabric upholstery. The rear seat comes with foldable function, which helps in increasing the boot volume of car.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this hatchback is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1998cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 189bhp in the range of 4700 to 6000rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 280Nm at just 1250rpm. This power plant is mated with a six speed steptronic automatic transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It is incorporated with a direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the vehicle to deliver a decent fuel economy. The automaker claims that this vehicle can give away a maximum mileage of 18 Kmpl on the highways, while it can generate 15 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions, which is rather impressive. It also claims that the vehicle can break the 100 Kmph speed mark from a standstill in 6.7 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 252 Kmph, which is remarkable for this class.

Braking and Handling:

All the wheels of this Mini Cooper 3 Door S are fitted with robust disc brakes, which deliver excellent performance. This mechanism is further assisted by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution that prevents wheel lock up during emergency braking. On the other hand, it is incorporated with a proficient suspension system that helps the vehicle to remain well balanced at all times on any road conditions. This hatchback is incorporated with an electronic power assisted steering system, which is quite responsive. It reduces the efforts of driver and makes maneuvering easier even during heavy traffic conditions.

Comfort Features:

The company has bestowed this hatchback with a lot of sophisticated features like automatic air conditioning unit, navigation system, which helps in reaching the destination without losing the way, all four power windows with driver side auto down function and so on. It has the all new MINI center instrument cluster that features entertainment as well as navigation functionalities. Apart from these, it includes interior rear view mirror with anti dazzle function, air vents, drink holders, an advanced music system with a lot of input options and many other such aspects.

Safety Features:

There are many protective features loaded in this trim for enhanced security of its passengers. It has dual front airbags along with side airbags that prevents the risk of injury in case a collision takes place. It has a rigid body structure including high strength multi phase steels that keeps the passengers safe inside in the event of an accident. It is equipped with three point seat belts at front with force limiters and belt tensioners as well. Apart from these, it includes twin ISOFIX child seat attachments, electronic immobilizer, flat tyre indicator, active pedestrian protection system as well as video adaptive cruise control functions.

Pros:

1. Reliable engine performance with decent acceleration and pickup.

2. Attractive exteriors with a lot of styling aspects.

Cons:

1. Price can be competitive.

2. Fuel economy is not satisfying.