BMW Group introduced its all-new MINI Cooper at the Detroit Auto Show in 2001 and reasonably robust sales began the next year. The little “hardtop” as MINI folks label the two-door hatchback was larger in every dimension than its predecessor but retained all of charm, usefulness and razor-sharp handling that kept the original in production for more than four decades. And to add a bit of historic panache, the Cooper line and most MINI models are produced in Oxford, England at a plant that first opened in 1913.

Premium is often an overworked adjective in automotive marketing, but that’s exactly how the new MINI was positioned. It may be a subcompact in EPA labeling, but the feisty, pugnacious little fella in my driveway didn’t have a modest bone in its Nanuq White Metallic body topped with a contrasting black roof. And if I still harbored any doubts about this MINI Cooper S stature, the robust MSRP of $38,295 was more than enough to set them aside. In fact, if you’re shopping in the quick coupe category, a couple thousand additional dollars will buy you a BMW’s 230i, so we’re not talking entrance-level except perhaps for some high tech workers.

Although the iconic shape hasn’t changed, styling is updated for 2025 with new lights front and back and a bumper-like embellishment across the grille. The upgraded 18-inch Night Flash Spoke alloy wheels carried Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires that combine low rolling resistance for good fuel economy yet still had plenty of road grip when I decided to dart around with alacrity. I was surprised, and a just a bit disappointed, that exhaust pipes were not proudly protruding in back. This is the turbocharged Cooper S fellas, not an EV or hybrid!

Inside the spacious cabin, Vescin Nightshade Blue seating that looks and feels quite like leather is nicely supportive and vegan friendly. It’s not only made of recycled materials, it’s also recyclable. Now don’t you feel a bit better? Once seated, the big round instrument in the center of the dash that’s just outside your sightline isn’t the old analog speedometer but a full menu of infotainment displays. If you want it to become a speedometer, toggle one of the experience modes to Go Kart and it will oblige, along with stepping up the throttle mapping and set the seven-speed, dual clutch transmission shift algorithms to a spirited deportment. And the Harmon Kardon surround system pitches in with quite realistic engine growl that will amuse occupants without annoying innocent bystanders outside the MINI. It all works, yet I still wish dual tailpipes were back as well as a pair of paddle shifters fitted behind the steering wheel.

The MINI Cooper remains fashionable and it’s fun to toss about with dispatch. Although toting adult friends along in the back seat is entirely possible, as long as they’re youthfully limber, we folded the seatbacks down and made a run to Costco, even buying paper products. I’m betting that’s what most MINI folk might do. Although few direct competitors exist, another choice in this range along with the BMW 2-series mentioned above is Acura’s Integra A-Spec.