Werecently attended the local launch of the facelifted Mini Hatch. Although the changes that the Oxford-based brandmade to the range were mostly cosmetic in nature, we were eager to find out whether the British hatchback and its soft-top variant had retained their fun-to-drive character and non-conformist appeal…

It was quite apt that Mini hosted the media introduction of the updated Hatch and Convertibleon Heritage Day. Mini is steeped in history and although some detractors say the brand has lost some of its “Britishness” since becoming part of the BMW Group, the fashionable marque is undeniably in a very good space. The extended range even includes an EVderivative, so customers are spoilt for choice.

There’s the One– a modestly appointed Hatchthat represents a relatively affordable entry point to the brand, which is followed by the Cooper and Cooper S (available in 3-and 5-door guises), as well as the fiery John Cooper Works (JCW). Then there is a couple of Convertible derivatives (Cooper and Cooper S); they appealto the sunseekers among us. Mini SA has also introduced a slightly updated SE electric derivative…its price tag (in excess of R600k) may seem quite steep for a compact car, albeit a luxurious one, but it remains the new vehicle market’s most affordable BEV (battery electric vehicle).

What’s New in the Mini Hatch?

From an exterior styling point of view, theMini Hatch range has been given a nip and a tuck, with revised front-end styling, LED indicators, gloss-black detailing andnew alloy wheeldesigns, plus customers have a choice of 3new colours, as well as the option to order a multitone roof finish. In terms of detailing, LED headlights are now standard, as are the cute Union Jack-themedLED taillights.

Inside, the cabin has been upgraded with an all-new multifunction ‘wheel– repletewith redesigned buttons – anda larger 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with new-look software;arefreshingly simple digital instrument panel (lifted straight from the Countryman model) is fitted to Cooper S derivatives. What’s more, there are some minor designrevisions to some of the interior surfaces and the air vents.

Some under-the-skin changes include the option of specifying an enhanced adaptive suspension system that employs continuous frequency-selective damping to deliver a more balanced ride/handling balance. Meanwhile, an electronic parking brake, active cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane departure warning have all made their debut in this updated Mini Hatch range.

What’s the updated Mini Hatch like to drive?

We had opportunitiesto put both the Cooper and Cooper Sthrough their paces on a variety of road conditions. Although the Cooper S is arguably no longer the focused hot hatch it once was, its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol develops a spritely 141 kW and 280 Nm.With power directed to the front wheels (of course) via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, performance is energetic, if not explosive.

Depending on which drive mode is engaged, the S’ performance ranges from competently adequate, to quite eager, with Eco dialling the responsiveness back a tad to favour fuel efficiency. Even whenit’s not in itssportiest mode, the Mini’s 2.0-litre turbopetrol motor delivers enthusiastic in-gear acceleration, with plenty of urge from low rpm.

We did miss steering wheel-mounted shift paddles on our test unit, but understand that they’re available as an optionalextra (for an additional R3 400). We also missed the trademark pops and bangs that previous generations of the Cooper S emitted from theirdual exhaust tips… they were subtle reminders of what a charming and fun little car theS is. Hm, just another reason to save up for a JCW?

The Cooper’s 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol motor, meanwhile, produces 100 kW and 220 Nm, also in combination witha dual-clutch automatic transmission. With this 3rd-generation New Mini, Cooper owners have never needed to feel short-changed if their budgets couldn’t quite stretch to Cooper S territory… The 1.5’s driving experience is sufficiently fun, courtesy of eager, energetic power delivery.

Thanks to a combination of a short wheelbase, sporty suspension- and well-calibrated steering setup, the Mini Cooper and Cooper S are a delightto drive briskly, their powertrain calibrationsencourage enthusiastic driving and offer more than enough driver engagement. “Driving fun” seems to be low on some manufacturers’ priority lists these days, but brands like Mini do a fine job of keeping it alive…

The best part is you don’t even need to drive the Cooper and Cooper S to their limits to enjoy the driving experience.Theydeliver loads of smiles at perfectly legal speeds and, when you want to drive spiritedlyon squiggly country roads, grin-inducing cornering. We also appreciate that whilethe new Mini Hatch is marketed as a youthful product, its cabin offers morethan a few premiumtouches…

Our launch route comprised stretches of the national highway,as well as urban roads. As far as ride quality is concerned, all Mini Hatch derivatives’ suspensionstendto be very firmly sprung – at least they were– becausethings have improved over the years. The launch units we drove were shod with low-profile run-flat 18-inch tyres, but to their credit, they didn’t thump over smallerroad imperfections.

Summary

The latest round of changes brings the Hatchand Convertible up to date with the rest of the Mini portfolio. Mini customers will always appreciate a wider range of options because it offers them even greater scope to express/show off their individualism;with the current array of colour, wheel, interior and roof options, there’s a great chance no two Mini Coopers will be specced alike. The absolute win here is that while the world moves into anera of semi-autonomous driving and electrified drivetrains, the Mini range continues to offer fun-to-drive dynamics,modern connectivity as well as a gooddose of trendiness.

When Mini decided to “upsize” with the more family-oriented Clubman and Countryman, somefeared the hatchback (and its convertible variant)would gradually fade into obscurity. However, having driven the updated model, we believe the Mini Hatch still oozes charm; it’s bound to attracta new generation of upwardly mobile buyers who crave cars with which they canexpress their individualism.With various body configurations and powertrains to choose from – not to mention a plethora of ways to personalise your Mini to heart’s content(budget permitting, of course) – there’s a Hatch for all tastes.

Further Reading:

Mini Hatch Price in South Africa

Mini Anniversary Edition announced

Mini Cooper range refreshed for 2021