2014 MINI Cooper: A Comprehensive Review of Performance, Handling, and Design

The 2014 Mini Cooper marked the beginning of a new generation, the F56, promising to build upon the legacy of its predecessors while introducing significant advancements in performance, technology, and design. Driving the 2014 MINI Cooper, especially the Cooper S variant, is an experience that rekindles the joy of driving, even in challenging conditions. This review delves into the specifics of the 2014 MINI Cooper, examining its handling, engine performance, design evolution, and interior refinements that set it apart.

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Exceptional Handling and Steering Dynamics

Handling is where the 2014 MINI Cooper truly shines. Subjectivity often clouds discussions about steering and feel, but with the F56, the excellence is immediately apparent. Compared to the previous R56 model, the 2014 MINI Cooper feels sharper and more responsive, despite maintaining the same steering ratio. This enhanced agility is largely due to a reduction in unsprung weight and a redesigned rear suspension, notably featuring a new hollow anti-roll sway bar.

MINI engineers prioritized suspension design to create a versatile platform that could offer both enhanced comfort and exhilarating performance. This focus has resulted in a car that maintains composure even on uneven road surfaces. The 2014 MINI Cooper provides a driving experience that is more communicative, balanced, and forgiving when pushed to its limits, a notable improvement over earlier models like the R56 and R53 which, while fun, sometimes felt like they were fighting back when driven aggressively.

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The steering in the 2014 MINI Cooper offers significantly more feedback. The new electronically boosted steering system is a marked improvement over the R56, feeling more transparent and connected. This enhancement addresses previous criticisms about deteriorating steering feel in MINIs, bringing the 2014 model closer to the praised steering dynamics of the original new MINI (R50/R53). While not quite matching the R50/R53, it’s a substantial stride forward. The immediacy of turn-in, improved grip—aided by new Pirelli P-Zero run-flat tires—and heightened road feel create an experience reminiscent of the first-generation new MINI, a high compliment indeed.

The suspension of the 2014 MINI Cooper is not merely redesigned; every aspect of its tuning has been re-evaluated. The base Cooper S suspension is considered the neutral point between comfort and performance. With optional variable dampers, the suspension range extends from -10 in Normal/Green modes to +10 in Sport mode. An optional standalone Sport Suspension pushes further to +30 on the performance scale, reportedly more aggressive than the R56 JCW factory sports suspension setting. While test drives were conducted with variable dampers, for those prioritizing performance, the sport suspension is likely the preferred choice. For daily driving, the variable dampers offer a compelling balance, though a more pronounced differentiation between settings would be ideal.

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2014 Mini Cooper S dashboard highlighting the intuitive control layout and premium materials.

The driving modes in the 2014 MINI Cooper represent a significant upgrade. Sport Mode is a substantial improvement over the previous sport button, adjusting throttle mapping, steering weight, and suspension firmness in models equipped with variable dampers. This system offers some configurability, allowing drivers to adjust suspension settings independently from throttle and steering in Sport Mode. However, disabling the firmer steering in Sport Mode or selecting “Sport” suspension dampening in Green mode is not possible. Importantly, the sport mode’s firmer steering no longer diminishes feedback through the wheel, unlike previous systems.

Torque steer, a known issue in the R5X chassis, is effectively eliminated in the 2014 MINI Cooper. Even during spirited driving in both Cooper and Cooper S models, torque steer was absent. While understeer is still present when pushing the car hard, the sensation of the car wrestling the wheel is gone. This achievement is attributed to a redesign of the driveshaft and suspension meeting point, along with electronic enhancements, marking a successful quest to refine the driving experience.

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Side profile of a 2014 Mini Cooper showcasing its compact dimensions and classic Mini design cues.

Engine, Transmission, and Brakes: Enhanced Performance

Cooper S Engine and Transmission

The 2014 MINI Cooper S boasts a new 2.0L engine that feels as potent as the previous 1.6L JCW powerplant. The focus on mid-level torque significantly enhances drivability. Paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission, the engine responds effortlessly to driver inputs. While on paper, overall power figures are not dramatically increased, the power delivery is considerably improved. This engine represents just the beginning of a new engine family, with further developments expected to boost power and torque in the future.

The engine sound of the 2014 MINI Cooper S is also new, producing a deeper, more refined growl—a notable improvement over the previous Prince engine family. In Sport Mode, the engine delivers satisfying pops and burbles, even with the automatic transmission.

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Front view of a 2014 Mini Cooper S highlighting its sporty stance and distinctive front grille design.

The updated six-speed automatic transmission in the 2014 MINI Cooper S addresses criticisms of the previous Aisin automatic. Mechanical and electronic revisions have resolved past issues, creating a vastly improved driving experience. Shifts are quick and smooth, particularly when accelerating on winding roads. Downshifts are also quicker and exhibit less driveline shudder than before. While not as quick or seamless as BMW’s 8-speed automatic or a dual-clutch transmission, this revised Aisin unit is a significant step forward in both performance and driving comfort for the 2014 Mini Cooper S.

Braking performance in both Cooper and Cooper S models is similar to the R56, utilizing a comparable setup. While weight-saving measures and system refinements are present, the improvements are incremental. The 2014 MINI Cooper offers good braking performance, slightly better than its predecessor.

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Close-up of the wheel and brake system of a 2014 Mini Cooper S, showcasing performance-oriented components.

Cooper Engine and Transmission

The 2014 MINI Cooper introduces a 3-cylinder engine, a significant shift for the brand. This 1.5L engine delivers torque comparable to the original R53 Cooper S, but with a different driving character. The 2014 Cooper and Cooper S models are more differentiated in driving experience than before. The F56 Cooper feels more comfortable and softly sprung compared to the R56 Cooper. Even in “Sport” mode with variable dampers, a noticeable ride difference exists between the F56 Cooper S and Cooper. However, this compliant suspension does not detract from driving enjoyment. The Cooper offers a gentle fluidity that the Cooper S lacks, combined with a slick six-speed manual transmission (a new design), providing a pure driving experience. Fuel efficiency is also a strong point, averaging 26 mpg even during spirited driving.

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Rear three-quarter view of a 2014 Mini Cooper S in motion, highlighting its agile handling and compact form.

The 1.5L engine is eager to rev up to its 6,400 rpm redline. It is responsive throughout the power band, especially when paired with the new manual transmission. Both the Cooper and Cooper S models feature new Getrag six-speed manual transmissions with rev-matching technology, similar to BMW M systems. This system automatically blips the throttle during downshifts for smoother transitions. While rev-matching can be disabled by turning on DTC, its effectiveness is such that even experienced drivers may appreciate its assistance, particularly in the Cooper where throttle mapping is less suited for manual rev-matching.

The 3-cylinder engine of the 2014 MINI Cooper produces a distinctive sound, vaguely reminiscent of a BMW inline-six but with a more aggressive tone. While it offers a fantastic growl, some enthusiasts may desire a louder exhaust note and might consider aftermarket options to amplify the engine’s sound. The clutch feel in the 2014 MINI Cooper is lighter than in the R56, consistent with modern car trends.

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Front view of a 2014 Mini Cooper showcasing its updated front fascia and headlights.

Design Evolution: Functional and Modern

The design of the 2014 MINI Cooper (F56) represents an evolution that takes time to appreciate, especially after years of familiarity with the R56. In person, the new design elements become more cohesive, though the larger front overhang remains a noticeable change. This increased overhang is a necessary adaptation to meet EU crash standards, a trend expected in many front-engine, front-wheel-drive cars. Over time, this design element becomes less prominent.

Beyond the overhang, the 2014 MINI Cooper’s exterior design is driven by function, prioritizing performance and efficiency more than any previous MINI. The primary goal was to reduce aerodynamic drag from the R56’s 0.39 drag coefficient to below 0.30. Through meticulous optimization of the car’s shape and details, MINI engineers achieved an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.28, significantly enhancing fuel efficiency.

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Rear view of a 2014 Mini Cooper highlighting its taillight design and overall rear styling.

Color combinations further enhance the design. While Volcanic Yellow and black with black wheels offer a sporty look, the Deep Blue and white combination with silver 17” wheels presents a more classic and appealing aesthetic. Deep Blue, reminiscent of Indi Blue from the R50 era, stands out as particularly impressive among the launch colors.

The front end of the 2014 MINI Cooper, with its trapezoidal grille, nods to the classic Mini. However, pedestrian safety regulations necessitate a more protruding nose, which can be a challenging look initially. The larger rear taillights give the car a more squared-off, robust appearance. While the design might not be as immediately striking as the R50/R53 from all angles, it becomes more sensible and purposeful in person.

The higher beltline and increased width of the 2014 MINI Cooper contribute to a more aggressive and sporty stance. Design details like LED headlights and subtle creases along the flanks further enhance the car’s purposeful look, reflecting its improved performance capabilities. The design brief, influenced by new safety regulations and the need to convey enhanced performance, is effectively realized in the 2014 MINI Cooper’s updated aesthetics.

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Interior view of a 2014 Mini Cooper showcasing the dashboard, central display, and premium interior materials.

Interior and Infotainment: A Step Up in Quality and Technology

The interior of the 2014 MINI Cooper represents a significant leap forward in design and quality, feeling considerably more modern than the previous generation. Material quality is comparable to, and sometimes surpasses, that of a BMW 3 Series. The center speedometer is gone, replaced by a more integrated and contemporary instrument cluster, a change that is unlikely to be missed.

The Cooper S test car featured a Leatherette/Cloth combination named Black Pearl. The cloth, made from recycled materials, has a rich, wool-like texture reminiscent of vintage furniture. The leatherette also offers a premium feel, closely resembling genuine leather and exceeding the quality of previous MINI materials. The Cooper test car showcased the MINI Yours interior package with white trim and Punch Carbon black seating with Dynamica, a simple yet effective and stylish combination that complements the Deep Blue/White exterior.

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Driver’s seat and dashboard of a 2014 Mini Cooper S, highlighting the sporty seats and ergonomic design.

Interior space in the 2014 MINI Cooper is slightly increased. Front legroom remains similar, comfortably accommodating taller drivers. Headroom feels generous, especially without the optional sunroof. Rear legroom is marginally improved but does not reach the levels of the Clubman or Countryman. More spacious models are available in the four-door F55 and subsequent F54 Clubman.

Three key interior enhancements stand out in the 2014 MINI Cooper. First, the sport seats are significantly improved, offering longer, adjustable thigh support and more aggressive side bolstering, approaching the level of the optional Recaro seats in the R56. Even the standard seats are a substantial upgrade, rivaling or surpassing the old R56 sport seats. Upgrading to the sport seats is highly recommended for enhanced comfort and support.

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Close-up of the premium cloth and leatherette upholstery in a 2014 Mini Cooper S interior.

Second, the new navigation system is exceptional and highly recommended. The tested cars featured the full 8.8” Navigation system, which dominates the interior in a positive way. The screen offers vastly improved quality and resolution compared to the R56 navigation system. The software, based on the current BMW system, is also significantly enhanced, offering faster performance and a better user experience with helpful interface subtitles. The system’s increased speed is a welcome improvement for frequent users.

Third, the ambient light ring around the central display, while seemingly gimmicky, is surprisingly effective. Initially assumed to be quickly disabled, the light ring’s subtle and theatrical element becomes quickly appreciated and enhances the interior ambiance.

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Illuminated central display and ambient light ring in the 2014 Mini Cooper S interior, showcasing the modern infotainment system.

Overall, the interior design of the 2014 MINI Cooper blends classic MINI themes with contemporary elements, resulting in a high-quality and thoughtful experience. Every touchpoint exudes quality. While some may miss the window switch placement or the smaller rev counter, the design choices and materials are successful and represent a major improvement over the previous model.

The heads-up display (HUD) is another notable technological advancement that proved indispensable during test drives. Similar to other HUD systems, it projects essential information like speed and navigation directions directly into the driver’s line of sight, enhancing focus on the road. A common limitation of HUD systems, however, is its invisibility when using polarized sunglasses. Audio quality is excellent with the optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The 2014 MINI Cooper moves away from CD players, offering two USB slots and a hard drive for music storage, mirroring BMW’s current systems. A glovebox-mounted six-disc changer will be available as an option for those still using CDs.

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Rear seats of a 2014 Mini Cooper showing the slightly improved legroom and overall interior space.

Conclusion: A Stellar Achievement for the 2014 MINI Cooper

The 2014 MINI Cooper successfully addresses concerns about MINI losing its way with larger models like the Countryman and Paceman. MINI engineers clearly aimed to prove their commitment to creating an engaging and exciting driving experience. The enthusiasm of the engineers involved in the F56 project was palpable, and the resulting 2014 MINI Cooper lives up to expectations.

The 2014 MINI Cooper, particularly the Cooper S, manages to be both more broadly appealing and a better driver’s car for enthusiasts. It recaptures some of the purity of the R50/R53 generation while incorporating significant advancements in technology, safety, and performance. While not without minor compromises, such as the front overhang and potentially less encouraging MPG figures for the manual Cooper S, the overall driving experience is a substantial improvement. The 2014 MINI Cooper is a stellar achievement, taking significant strides forward in key areas and solidifying its position as a benchmark in its class.

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Close-up of the central infotainment screen displaying navigation in a 2014 Mini Cooper S.