Is a used MINI Hatchback a good buy?

The MINI brand doesn't cover just one car anymore, with estates and small SUVs that stretch the definition of the company’s name to the max. But sometimes the original is still the best, which is why the standard MINI Hatchback is still a huge seller. It's one of the best small cars on the market alongside rivals such as Audi A1.

When the classic Mini was first launched in 1959, it was only available as a compact two-door model. And while the company launched different bodystyles later on, it’s the original that is most remembered. So when the ‘New MINI’ was relaunched in 2001, it again picked up the original format - with an added third door in the form of a proper hatchback boot opening.

The latest generation of MINI is the only one that’s also been offered in five-door form, but it's clear just from looking that it was designed from the off as a three-door. It’s the most stylish and smallest model MINI makes, making it both desirable and a lot of fun to drive.

The three-door MINI is offered in a variety of versions, starting with the most affordable One model and rising to the fast and fun Cooper S and John Cooper Works high-performance hatchbacks. However, for most drivers the middling Cooper is the Goldilocks of the range, offering enough performance to be entertaining to drive without breaking the bank.

In the latest version, every MINI Cooper is powered by a 136hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is gutsy yet reasonably economical. Older versions could also be had in Cooper D form with a 116hp 1.5-litre diesel engine, but while that was a good deal more fuel efficient, it was less fun to drive than the petrol.

Both manual and automatic options have been offered throughout the MINI Cooper’s life, but in 2017 MINI replaced the six-speed automatic with a quick-shifting seven-speed 'dual-clutch' automatic to the range. The six-speed manual best suits the MINI enjoyable driving experience, but the newer automatic is still a great choice.

Read our full MINI Hatchback review

Which used MINI Hatchback should you buy?

The equipment you get in your MINI Hatchback depends on the age of the car, as MINI has revised the model range twice since 2014. Cooper models have been available in four incarnations over the years. Keep reading for more information about the standard equipment available in the MINI Hatchback.

What used MINI Hatchback trim levels are available?

There have been several iterations of MINI's trim line-up but the latest versions see Cooper as the base model, rather than the MINI One.

MINI Cooper

The earliest versions of this generation of MINI Cooper were the least well-equipped as standard, with MINI expecting most customers to raid the vast options list by adding lots of optional extras. As well as extra features, drivers could add a huge array of customisation options for the exterior and interior.

Still, standard equipment included 15-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a digital radio with a USB socket and Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless start. The popular Chili Pack (a group of optional equipment packaged together) brought kit such as 17-inch alloys, climate control, automatic lights and wipers, LED headlights and a drive mode selector, while sat-nav and leather seats could also be added.

MINI Cooper Classic

In 2018, shortly after lightly updating the car, MINI simplified the buying process by offering three distinct trim levels: Classic, Sport and Exclusive. As well as different equipment levels, each trim was given different exterior styling, while the Chili and Pepper packs were discontinued. There were still lots of design choices such as different alloy wheels and interior trim features, plus plenty of optional kit across the range.

MINI Cooper Classic trim is the entry point of the range, but gets significant equipment upgrades over the previous MINI. LED front and rear lights are standard, with the rear lights styled to look like a Union Jack flag. Also standard is a 6.5-inch media system, automatic lights and wipers, interior ambient lighting and MINI’s E-Call system that will automatically call the emergency services in the event of a crash.

MINI Cooper Sport

The Mini Cooper Sport trim level brings a number of sporty styling additions to enhance the car’s look, including a bodykit that borrows elements from Mini’s flagship John Cooper Works high-performance model.

As well as the standard kit in Classic trim, John Cooper Works-inspired add-ons for the Sport include a new rear spoiler, an aerodynamic body kit, racier alloy wheels, a sports steering wheel and bucket seats trimmed in cloth/microfibre upholstery. The styling options list was also further extended, but there were no extra features above Classic trim.

MINI Cooper Exclusive

Being the top-of-the-range MINI trim, the MINI Cooper Exclusive version throws in more bells and whistles. It also adopts a less sporty, more refined look with chrome exterior detailing and posh-looking alloy wheels.

Standard equipment over MINI Cooper Classic and Sport models includes the ‘Chrome Line’ interior look, leather upholstery, the 'MINI Yours' steering wheel with gloss black trim and a leather rim, and more upmarket dashboard materials. However, features such as heated seats, sat-nav, climate control and a reversing camera were still relegated to the options list.