Mini Cooper S review – mpg and running costs
The Cooper S isn't a big drinker, and is able to match its on-paper mpg in the real world
Mini’s application of BMW’s efficient new generation of modular engines pays dividends at the pumps, and that’s certainly the case for the Cooper S. On paper, a 47-48mpg combined figure is very impressive against rivals, with the Hyundai i20 N and Toyota GR Yaris often struggling to reach the mid-30s in MPG terms.
That’s despite the car using a 2-litre engine rather than the 1.5 or 1.6 standard to the class, but it’s a good example of what Mazda would call ‘rightsizing’ – the 2-litre four-cylinder doesn’t have to work very hard to get the Mini body moving, and if you’re not using all the revs, all the time, this results in good real-world economy.
In our experience, the Mini’s mid-40s economy means a real-world range between fills of around 400 miles, so visits to the pumps are relatively rare. A CO2 figure of 139g/km is starting to look out of step in this day and age though.
Tyres shouldn’t be a great expense, given that the Cooper S is relatively lightweight and doesn't put oodles of power through its front wheels. Unless you plan on frequent track days, the brakes should last for the same reasons, too.
