Mini Cooper 2022 review
Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The third-generation MINI Hatch got its mid-life LCI facelift in 2021, and the 2022 car is the sweet spot: sharper styling with Union Jack rear lights, an 8.8-inch touchscreen and the same BMW B-series engines that banished the old R56's timing-chain woes. The 3-door Cooper 1.5 opened from just over £22,500.
The mainstream engine is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo with 136bhp and 220Nm — good for 0-62mph in about 8 seconds and up to 51.4mpg WLTP. The Cooper S adds 42bhp (178bhp, 0-62 in around 6.7 seconds), the JCW tops out at 231bhp, and the Cooper SE electric pairs 183bhp with a 32.6kWh battery for around 145 miles of range.
The trade-offs are well known: a 211-litre boot, a back seat for children or contortionists, and a ride that can be choppy on run-flat tyres. But the go-kart handling is still the class benchmark, and the F56 holds its value unusually well — 2022 cars trade at £13,000–£17,000, only 35–45% down from new.
Safety ratings date from the 2014 test, where the F56 earned four Euro NCAP stars (carried across the generation and never retested), and the warranty is three years with unlimited mileage. Buy on full condition-based service history, check the thermostat housing and water pump for coolant weeps, and remember the timing chain on these engines needs no scheduled replacement.
UK price from: £22,500
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged petrol (B38) |
| Power | 136 bhp (100 kW) |
| Torque | 220 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 8.0 seconds (approx.) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 51.4 mpg combined (WLTP) |
| CO2 emissions | 126-129 g/km |
| Boot space | 211 litres (731 litres seats folded) |
| Kerb weight | 1,135 kg |
| Euro NCAP | 4 stars (2014) |
| Insurance group | 18-21 (range) |
| Warranty | 3 years / unlimited mileage |
Features
- 1.5 turbo petrol: 136bhp, 220Nm, 0-62mph in ~8.0 seconds
- Up to 51.4mpg WLTP and 126-129g/km CO2 on the Cooper
- Cooper S (178bhp) and JCW (231bhp) for hot-hatch pace
- Cooper SE electric: 183bhp, ~145-mile WLTP range, 50kW DC charging
- 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- 8.8-inch Mini Connected touchscreen with Apple CarPlay
- Union Jack LED rear lights and classic round design cues
- Three-year unlimited-mileage warranty; 8yr/100k on the SE battery
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £34.99 | Pattern part; typical retail |
| Oil filter | £10.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £16.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £15.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £14.99 | |
| 12V battery | £119.99 |
Pros
- Go-kart handling remains the benchmark for small cars
- B-series engines fixed the old R56 timing-chain problems
- Holds value well: ~35-45% depreciation over four years
- Around 50mpg and insurance groups 18-21 keep costs sensible
- Huge personalisation: colours, roofs, stripes and packs
Cons
- 211-litre boot is among the smallest in the class
- Rear seats are cramped for adults
- Ride is firm, especially on run-flat tyres
- Four-star NCAP rating (2014 test) trails five-star rivals
