The latest Mini Cooper S 5-door facelift was launched in Malaysia on 13 July 2018. This comes four years after the official introduction of the 5-door Cooper S in Malaysia on 12 November 2014. The additional two doors for the classic Mini hatchback is a first in the modern era, providing customers who like the hatchback body style but with added practicality. In Malaysia, only the Cooper S variant is available, with the local model kit standard in the John Cooper Works Line. This includes exterior kit, rims and interior trim. The hatchback is priced on the road without insurance at RM259,888. Prices including the 2020/2021 SST exemption is RM250,507.

Dimensions for Length, Width, Height in (mm) are 4,005 x 1,727 x 1,425. Wheelbase is 2,567 mm.

The Cooper S hatchback facelift in terms of bodywork at the front is indistinguishable from the pre-facelift model or the 3-door variant. The key differences here is the inclusion of Mini’s updated “flat” logo design and full circular LED daytime running/ indicator lights (as opposed to the semi-circle on the pre-facelift.

The rear however gets the updated Union Jack LED tail lamp graphics which sets the facelift apart from the previous model. The bumper design is also different from the 3-door variant.

As mentioned above, the headlamps are bi-LED units that feature full circle daytime running/ indicator lights. 

Tail lamps are LED units with Union Jack graphics.

The wing mirrors are power-adjustable, retractable, auto fold and can be customised with different caps.

Front brakes are ventilated discs and rear solid disc units.

Rims are 17-inch John Cooper Works Track Spoke in black.

The current generation Mini Cooper hatchback is rather special. It mixes in the Mini style with the circular theme across the dashboard. Overall styling is still very unique to Mini with simple and easy fonts and readouts.

Unlike the Countryman, the hatchback features a smaller 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment that lacks the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The driver multi-info display shows sufficient vehicle information together with cruise control and speed limiter.

Upholstery is decked in the Carbon Black Leather Cross Punch. A combination of leather and suede.

Unlike the 3-door hatchback, the 5-door variants do benefit from the added space. The extra length provides 278-litres with the seats up, and 941-litres seats down. Compared to the 211-litres and 731-litres on the 3-door. Recline is a 60:40 split. 

There’s audio, driver instrument controls and cruise and limiter function.

There are two primary cupholders on the front centre console. And accompanying slots by the doors.

There is one USB Type A charger at the front together with a 12V socket.

As it is, the build quality is good and premium, with good cabin insulation as expected with the brand.

The 5-door hatchback provides 278-litres with the seats up, and 941-litres seats down. Recline is a 60:40 split. The space is larger compared to the 211-litres and 731-litres on the 3-door.

Unfortunately, there are no active safety sensors included in the Cooper S 5-door hatchback.

Passive safety includes front and side airbags for driver and front passenger and curtain airbags for a total of six. Isofix child seat anchors are on the rear passenger seats.

Driver assistance includes park distance control and a rear view camera.

In terms of equipment, the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment unit.

The Cooper S 5-door comes with a standard 6 speaker audio system.

The Cooper S 5-door is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower turbo engine developing 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque at 1,250 to 4,600 rpm.

Transmission is a 7-speed Steptronic sport dual clutch.

The Cooper S 5-door is front wheel drive.

The upgraded 7-speed dual clutch Steptronic sport transmission makes the drive smoother than the 6-speed automatic on the pre-facelift. Shifting is evidently faster as well. Because this uses the new transmission, the gear lever is similar to that in BMW’s own, albeit styled with a Mini flair.

Ride comfort is more comfortable compared to the previous generation 3-door hatchback. A bit on the firm side for sportiness, but still very much better for long drives.

Sound insulation is good as per Mini’s with commendable cabin quietness.