Mini Cooper Coupe

Overview: Is the Mini Cooper Coupe a Good Sports Car?

The Mini Cooper Coupe is a compact two-seater with a unique blend of style, performance, and personality. Sold in the United States from 2012 to 2015, the Coupe (R58) shares its underpinnings with the Mini Cooper hatchback but features a distinctive "helmet roof" hardtop design that sets it apart from its siblings. The Coupe also has much in common with the Mini Cooper Roadster (R59), a two-seat convertible sold at the same time. With its go kart-like handling, peppy engines, and quirky interior, the Mini Cooper Coupe appeals to drivers seeking an engaging and distinctive sports car experience.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Mini Cooper Coupe cars for sale.

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Related: How Long Do MINI Cooper Coupes Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Key Features

The Mini Cooper Coupe offers:

Two-seat coupe body style

• Front wheel drive
• 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, including turbocharged options
• 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
• Available John Cooper Works (JCW) performance package

Trims

The Mini Cooper Coupe is available in three trims: base (also known as Cooper), S, and John Cooper Works (JCW). The base model comes well-equipped with features like leatherette upholstery, a six-speaker audio system, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The S trim adds a more powerful engine, sport seats, and fog lights. The range-topping JCW trim offers the highest performance, with an upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and distinctive styling elements.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Despite its compact dimensions, the Mini Coupe's interior is well-crafted and features premium materials and engaging interior colors. The sport seats are supportive and offer a good range of adjustability, though taller drivers may find headroom limited due to the car's unique roofline. The Coupe's infotainment system includes a 6.5-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional navigation system. Cargo space is modest, with a small trunk that offers 9.8 cubic feet of storage.

Review: Are Mini Coopers Reliable? A Complete Breakdown

How It Drives

The Mini Cooper Coupe's responsive handling is its strongest trait, delivering an engaging behind-the-wheel experience. Base power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, making 121 horsepower. The mid-tier S trim is motivated by a 181-horsepower turbocharged version of the same engine. Top performance comes from the JCW edition with 208 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The Coupe's low center of gravity and wide stance contribute to its excellent handling, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the Mini Cooper Coupe.

Reviews

Mini Cooper Coupe reviews on Kelley Blue Book have an average rating of 4.4/5. Owners praise the Coupe’s reliability, performance, quality, and styling.

Learn More: The MINI Cooper Coupe Years To Avoid

FAQs

Why was the MINI Cooper Coupe discontinued?

The Mini Cooper Coupe's brief stint in the market ended following the 2015 model year. Several elements contributed to its discontinuation, primarily lackluster sales and Mini's aim to optimize its product range. The Mini Coupe (R58) suffered the same fate as the Mini Roadster (R59).

How fast is the MINI Cooper Coupe?

The Mini Cooper Coupe's performance varies depending on the trim. The base model can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around 8.3 seconds, while the Mini Cooper Coupe S trim achieves the same feat in about 6.5 seconds. The range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) model is the quickest, with a zero-to-60 mph time of approximately 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph.

What is the most common problem with MINI Cooper?

Some of the most reported issues with Mini Coopers include faulty timing chain tensioners, water pump and thermostat housing leaks, and automatic transmission problems. However, these issues are more common in earlier model years, and the Mini Cooper Coupe, a more recent and lower-volume model, may not experience these problems to the same extent as other Mini Cooper variants.

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