Mini embarked on a fresh chapter for its iconic hatchback with the introduction of the all-new Mini Cooper. Presently, the spotlight turns to the familiar ICE models, as Mini unveils the latest gas-powered Cooper C and Cooper S models. When Mini debuted the latest iteration of the Cooper 3-Door Hardtop last year, it showcased solely the electric E and SE variants.

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It's only now that the hatchback is receiving internal combustion engines. Diesels are not in the lineup; instead, the smallest vehicle from the BMW Group is offered with two gasoline powertrains.

According to Autocar India, Mini has unveiled the fourth-generation Cooper petrol 3-door hatchback, marking the final iteration with combustion engines for the Mini lineup. Drawing inspiration from the original 1959 model, the hatch has been a cornerstone of the Mini range since BMW reestablished the brand in 2000. The new generation model will include a 3-door, 5-door, a convertible with a soft-top, and a version by John Cooper Works.

The fourth-generation Cooper hatchback bears a striking resemblance to the Mini Cooper EV but utilizes a distinct platform and boasts entirely different mechanical components compared to the EV variant. While the electric version is constructed on a custom EV platform, the petrol model undergoes significant updates from the previous iteration.

Indeed, it will feature the same two turbo-petrol engines as the third-generation hatch, albeit with an increase in power output. The entry-level Cooper C now houses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, which sees a boost of 20hp for a total of 156hp, resulting in a 0.4-second improvement in the 0-100kph acceleration time (now at 7.7 seconds).

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Mini Cooper C: More Features Revealed

As reported by Autoindutriya.com, the exterior of the ICE-driven Mini Cooper maintains a close resemblance to its all-electric counterpart with its minimalist design. The notable contrast between the gasoline-powered version and the electric variant lies in the larger grille opening on the front fascia, which showcases a distinct mesh pattern designed to facilitate increased airflow for engine cooling.

In the interior, the gas-powered Mini Cooper exhibits minor distinctions in comparison to its electric counterpart. It retains the identical 9.4-inch round LED infotainment screen, yet the A/C vents have been oriented horizontally, and the interior door handles adopt a more conventional design.

Similar to its all-electric counterpart, the gas-powered Mini Cooper is available in two variants - the standard Cooper C and the more athletic Cooper S. These variants are further categorized into four trims - Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW.

Meanwhile, as stated by motor1.com, with the rear seats in their upright position, there's space for 7.4 cubic feet (210 liters) of luggage, which expands to 28.2 cubic feet (800 liters) when the bench is folded down. Mini plans to introduce a convertible variant of the latest Cooper, as well as a more functional five-door hatchback. These will mark the final lineup of ICE models before BMW Group phases out gasoline-powered vehicles by the decade's end.

The upcoming Cooper C and Cooper S will be produced in Oxford, unlike the electric Cooper E and SE, which are manufactured in China by Spotlight Automotive - a collaboration between Mini's parent company BMW Group and Great Wall Motor. The electric hatch won't be assembled in the UK until 2026, along with the next Aceman small crossover.

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