First Impressions of the BMW MINI Cooper D

The other day, I shared my husband’s test-drive report on the BMW MINI Cooper D his younger sister had bought. I recently got the chance to drive it myself, both around town and on Royu Driveway, so I’d like to share a few of my own impressions. My husband had already told me it was a beautifully engineered car that was easy to drive and left a great impression, so I was looking forward to getting behind the wheel.

I bought a manual-transmission car this April, although its production date is still up in the air because of the semiconductor shortage. At the time, I’d also considered the MINI Countryman. It seemed like a great all-around car: a solid five-door with easy access and plenty of room for loading luggage, a comfortable back seat for the kids, and a cute design.

But when I searched used-car listings for a manual, I couldn’t find one in the condition I wanted or in a body color I liked, so I gave up on the idea.

Back to the MINI Cooper. My first impression was that the doors felt reassuringly solid and substantial. As soon as I shut one, I felt cocooned in a space that protected me—a really nice feeling.

Then I set off, and the suspension surprised me. From its looks, I’d expected the MINI Cooper to feel light and nimble, with a tight turning circle. The reality was quite different. Beneath its cute exterior, it felt robust and planted, with a real sense of grip. My husband said:

The suspension is fantastic, isn’t it? This one costs over ¥4 million out the door when new, but you can see where the money goes. If anything, it feels better than the price suggests. You don’t often find suspension this solid in cars in the same price range—and especially not in Japanese cars. It’s firm without being harsh, and the sense of security and tire grip is incredible.

I once had the chance to test-drive a Mazda Roadster (ND), and remember thinking, “This car is incredibly well built!” The MINI’s suspension felt like an even more tightly dialed-in version of the Roadster’s.

We also used to own a Volkswagen Golf 7, whose suspension we loved. My husband and I praised it every time we drove it. But for me, the MINI felt even more planted than the Golf 7, with a stronger sense of grip that made it easy to trust the car.

I prefer suspension that’s a little firm and gives me a clear sense of what the tires are doing, rather than a soft setup. The MINI Cooper suited my tastes perfectly, and throughout the drive I kept saying, “This is so good! I want one! This is so good!”

The MINI Cooper Is a Wonderful Car

While we were stopped at a traffic light, I took a good look at the interior. The materials and overall feel were excellent. I was told this particular car had very few options, but if the interior feels this nice as standard, that’s more than enough for me.

Next, I took it onto Royu Driveway. The steering felt intuitive, and both the accelerator and brake pedals were easy to operate. The car turned exactly as much as I asked it to, without needing me to add more steering input, making for a smooth and satisfying drive. The brakes were just as impressive: it was easy to judge how much pressure to apply, and they responded with a reassuring bite when I pressed down.

“I just want to keep taking these corners. This is so much fun!”

Before I knew it, I was driving with a huge smile on my face.

The MINI Cooper was easy and fun to drive both around town and on roads like Royu Driveway. When I pressed the accelerator a little harder, though, its acceleration did feel slightly underwhelming.

That’s only because I was comparing it with a Porsche. I think the MINI has more than enough power for joining the highway or accelerating when needed, and it’s comfortable enough to make you want to take it on a long trip.

Personally, I also suspect the regular gasoline-powered MINI Cooper would be even more satisfying to listen to, with a livelier engine note.

I’m still waiting for my own manual car to be delivered—or, more accurately, waiting to hear when it will go into production. The MINI was such a wonderful car that I found myself wondering, “Will my own car’s suspension feel a little inadequate next to the MINI? I hope not…”

I’m so grateful I got the chance to drive it. Thank you!