2015 MINI Coupe Quick Spin Review

"And you'll look sweet / upon the seat / of a MINI built for two"

Okay, we admit that we slightly altered the lyric to the song Daisy Bell, but the sentiment stands. A fair number of MINI buyers are either single or one-half of a couple, which likely means they don't use the back seat for much more than groceries. So, what if MINI just built a model for two? 

Well they did. Enter: the 2015 MINI Coupe.

Design

The MINI Coupe is quite a departure from other MINI models for one key reason: the Coupe doesn't have the hatchback profile that has become a hallmark for the brand. Instead, MINI's designers went with a three box design that offers their own distinctive touch to the overall look. The signature design feature on the MINI Coupe is the roof which, thanks to its dome shape and rear spoiler, give the Coupe a look of wearing a backwards baseball cap.

Despite this break from tradition, the Coupe is still instantly recognizable as a part of the MINI family. The front end boasts the large, circular headlights and grille that has been part of MINIs since the introduction of the new model in 2002. Around back are a set of rectangular taillights and exhaust tips mounted in the middle of the rear bumper.

The Coupe's interior shows the family resemblance as well. The dashboard design and layout is the same as other MINI models and boasts the large speedometer with the option of a screen for the infotainment system.

Powertrains

Engine options vary according to trim level. The base Cooper Coupe gets a 1.6L four-cylinder with 121 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque, and before you start whining about diminutive output, keep in mind that the Cooper Coupe only tips the scales at 1,160 pounds (1,195 pounds for the automatic). A six-speed manual comes as standard, while a six-speed automatic is optional. EPA rates the Cooper Coupe 29 City/37 Highway/32 Combined for the manual, and 28 City/36 Highway/31 Combined for the automatic.

Next up is the Cooper S Coupe which boasts a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Again, you have the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic. Fuel economy is rated at 26 City/35 Highway/29 Combined for the manual, and 25 City/34 Highway/28 Combined for the automatic.

Finally, there's the hot-rod of the Coupe lineup, the John Cooper Works. Taking the turbo 1.6 from the Cooper S Coupe, MINI increases boost pressure in the turbo to generate 208 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. You can get it with either a manual or automatic, both featuring six-speeds. Fuel economy wise, the EPA says you'll get 26 City/35 Highway/29 Combined for the manual, and 25 City/34 Highway/28 Combined for the automatic.

Safety

No matter which trim you opt for, every MINI Coupe comes with a full suite of airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake distribution, brake assist, traction control, stability control, and hill start assist. Rear parking sensors are also available as either a stand-alone option or as a part of the City Package.

The Coupe hasn't been tested by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety or NHTSA as of yet. 

Pricing and Features

The MINI Coupe lineup starts with the base Cooper, which begins at $22,000. Standard equipment includes leatherette upholstery (cloth and Dinamica leather are available as a no-cost option), six-way manual adjustable seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and 15-inch wheels.

Next is the $25,300 Cooper S, which boasts sport seats with manual adjustments, a hood with a functioning hood scoop, 16-inch alloy wheels, and runflat tires.

The top of the line John Cooper Works rings in at $31,900 and features a John Cooper Works-tuned suspension, cloth upholstery, dynamic traction control, Brembo brakes up front, and 17-inch wheels.

Many of the options available on the coupe are available on any trim level, which include keyless entry, 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, technology package with navigation, Recaro seats, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a variety of wheels.