2019 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Review

Powering the Cooper is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine (134 horsepower, 162 pound-feet of torque). The base Classic model offers a lot of features, including 15-inch alloy wheels, all-season tires, automatic headlights and wipers, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, height-adjustable front seats, simulated-leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and multicolor ambient lighting. Among the standard tech are Bluetooth, a 6.5-inch central display, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port.

Stepping up to the Cooper S gets you a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (189 hp, 207 lb-ft). It also has 16-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips, extra styling flourishes, selectable driving modes, and front sport seats with adjustable thigh support. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters are included if you opt for the automatic transmission.

The most powerful Hardtop 2 Door is the John Cooper Works model. Motivation comes in the form of a more potent version of the turbocharged four-cylinder (228 hp, 236 lb-ft). Upgrades include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, cornering lights, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension,a sport steering wheel, more aggressively bolstered sport seats, and simulated-suede and cloth upholstery.

Features added by the Signature subtrim differ slightly from the base Cooper, S and JCW. But in general, it adds a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Cooper models get 16-inch wheels, Cooper S versions get 16- or 17-inch wheels, and JCW models get adaptive dampers. Mini's Active Driving Assistant suite of safety features — forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam control — is also included on Cooper S and JCW models. Selecting the Signature trim also opens the door to additional paint choices, interior dashboard appliques and upholstery choices. Notably, the JCW's Solaris Orange Special Edition package (late availability) starts with the Signature trim and includes black exterior trim, all-season tires and a head-up display.

The Signature's Premium package further adds power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, chrome exterior trim, LED headlights and foglights, cornering lights, satellite radio and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The Iconic trim includes those upgrades, plus leather upholstery, a navigation system, the Active Driving Assistant package, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Depending on powertrain, selecting the Iconic trim will add different features. Cooper and Cooper S models get a choice of several 16- and 17-inch wheel styles (with 18-inch wheels available for the Cooper S), and 17- or 18-inch wheels for the JCW. Cooper S and JCW models also get a head-up display.

Many of the above options can be ordered separately. A Driver Assistance package for the Iconic trim adds front parking sensors and an automated parallel parking system. Additional stand-alone options include exterior and interior styling modifications, summer performance tires and roof rails.