Which MINI Cooper Should I Buy?

The MINI range currently consists of 7 models, from the iconic 3-Door all the way up to the spacious and rugged Countryman. If you're in the market for a new car and find yourself, like many, drawn to the MINI brand you may be asking yourself "which MINI Cooper should I buy?". We've put together a brief overview the line-up, giving you an insight into the benefits of each model.

Choosing The Best MINI For You

It's important to choose a car that fits your lifestyle. If you're a keen surfer then the 3-Door hatch probably isn't for you, but if you're after a nippy little run around to get you about town then you're in the right place. Luckily, for all you adventurers, there are larger models in the MINI line-up, such as the MINI Cooper Clubman and Countryman. It's about choosing the best MINI for you.

MINI Cooper 3-Door Hatch

The most iconic model in the MINI Cooper range; the 3-Door Hatch. We often hear customers say "That's too big to be a MINI", but the truth is, the 3-door is still smaller than a VW Golf and is ideal for city driving. That's not to say that the classic hatch feels out of place on the open road. MINIs are inherently fun to drive and one thing you can be sure of is that this car will put a smile on your face when you get behind the wheel.

Although small on the outside, the MINI Cooper 3-Door is surprisingly spacious on the inside. The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine in the base model is certainly sprightly and packs a punchy feel. For those that revel in a bit of extra power, MINI offer the Cooper S, as they do throughout the range, which comes with a TwinPower Turbo Engine boasting 192bhp.

If you're after a nimble little car that feels as at home in the city as it does on the countryside then the MINI Cooper 3-Door is the model for you.

MINI Cooper 5-Door Hatch

The 5-Door Hatch is remarkably similar to the 3-Door in more ways than one. It features the same quirky front end, the handing is almost identical, as is the delivery of power. It is essentially a 3-Door that's had a bit of a growth spurt. It's still not a 'big' car by any means, but with increased rear leg room and boot space it's certainly a little more spacious than the 3-Door.

If you love that iconic MINI aesthetic and sporty driving style but require a little more space for passengers and luggage then the MINI Cooper 5-Door is the model for you.

MINI Cooper Convertible

Built to make those sunny days even better. The MINI Cooper Convertible is arguably the most stylish model in the MINI line-up. Boot space is compromised slightly but it's a small price to pay for the smile that'll be etched across your face as you drive around with the top-down when the sun is shining. The Cooper model comes with a 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 136bhp while the Cooper S and JCW models kick out 192bhp and 231bhp respectively.

If you want to enjoy the best of the British summer in style then the MINI Cooper Convertible is the model for you.

MINI Cooper Clubman

Where else to start with the MINI Cooper Clubman than those split rear doors. They're instantly recognisable and open automatically with the swing of your foot, making them practical too. With enough legroom for five adults and luggage space for many suitcases, spaciousness is the name of the game with the Clubman. 

With options such as a 6.5" touchscreen display and leather seats, as is the case with all MINI Cooper models, you really can sit back and travel in comfort.

If you have a decent size family and require more space and versatility then the MINI Cooper Clubman is the model for you.

MINI Cooper Countryman

Built for families and those who love to go on adventures, The MINI Cooper Countryman is the largest MINI in the range. Need to stick a bicycle in the boot? No worries? Got three kids and a week's luggage? Chuck it in. Heading to the countryside and planning to go off-road? Let's go.

With more headroom, legroom, boot space and easier accessibility than the hatch models, the Clubman is ideal for those who require a little more practicality and increased road presence. That being said, the steering is still light and both parking and driving in tight spaces is a doddle.

If you love MINI and require an SUV then the MINI Cooper Countryman is the model for you.

MINI Cooper Countryman Phev

Driving a MINI has always been electric, but MINI have taken that feeling to the next level with the Countryman Phev. Even the most stubborn petrol-head would struggle to argue that the age of electric cars is well and truly upon us and it looks like it's here to stay. The Phev is shockingly quick off the line thanks to a petrol-electric engine that delivers 224bhp through an all-wheel-drive drivetrain.

The electric motor offers a range of 25mile and can be fully charged in shade over 2 hours. While that might not seem like a great distance, it's worth remembering that as we eluded to in our article about the soon to be released MINI Bev, the average UK commuter drives less than 10 miles to work.

If you're ready to embrace the future of motoring and want the practicality of a Countryman and quirkiness of a MINI then the MINI Cooper Phev is the model for you.

MINI John Cooper Works

The John Cooper Works line is developed for those who posses a true passion for driving and demand the ultimate in performance engineering. The MINI 3-Door Hatch is the most popular JCW model in the range and comes with a 4-cylinder, Twin Turbo petrol engine that produces a whopping 231bhp. MINI also offer the Convertible, Clubman and Countryman with the John Cooper Works package. 

For an in-depth review of what it's like to live with a JCW then check out our post after a weekend with the John Cooper Works.

If you love the thrill of driving and have no intentions of compromising when it comes to performance then the MINI John Cooper Works is the model for you.