2023 Mini Cooper Hardtop

The Mini family may have expanded in the modern era to include models like the Countryman crossover, but the quintessential flag-bearer for the brand remains the hardtop. Following a substantial facelift last year, the 2023 Mini Cooper Hardtop up for review here isn't that different; it's the same lovable and entertaining hatch it's always been. Available in two- and four-door variations, the base models stick with a 134-horsepower three-cylinder engine, while the spicy S versions produce 189 hp. Although keenly priced to start, adding the best features to this sharp-handling hatch quickly increases the price, and it's not anywhere near as practical as the Honda Civic Hatchback or Volkswagen Golf. But the Mini has the brand cachet many crave, and at the time of writing, the base Mini Cooper is the sole two-door hatchback on sale in the USA - perfect for the younger set without kids. But is there enough substance in the Mini package in 2023?

The new starting price of the 2023 Mini Cooper Hardtop has increased by $500 to $23,400. However, the Cooper S has the same starting price of $26,900. Four-door models start at $24,400 for the Cooper and rise to $27,900 for the more powerful Cooper S. If you want to drive off in the new Resolute Edition that is based on the Iconic sub-trim, the cost is much higher. This model starts at $35,900 for the two-door Cooper S or $36,900 for the four-door Cooper S.

These MSRPs for the Mini Cooper Hardtop range exclude the destination charge of $850. You will also have to pay extra for the sub-trims that add more desirable features.

Although it has grown in size through the years, the Mini still lives up to its name with its length of just over 152 inches and a curb weight of just over 2,700 lbs. Because of that, even the base 134-horsepower model is a spirited driving companion; its quick steering and instant direction changes make the little hatch a joy when approaching a series of curves or a roundabout. With the manual gearbox, it's a reminder of how little power or mechanical complexity one needs to have fun on four wheels. The more powerful Cooper S delivers superior acceleration with 206 horsepower, even if it won't be able to keep up with a Golf GTI. There is an automatic transmission available that does the job, but if any car was built to have a manual, it's this one.

On the downside, the 2023 Cooper Hardtop isn't the most comfortable way to get from A to B. Its firm suspension can't filter out bumps and surface changes, especially when the car is specified with larger wheels, and it can become tiresome after a while. It's not intolerable, and for many, the enjoyment factor balances out the harsh ride.

In hatchback form and without the power of the John Cooper Works or the heavier body of the Countryman, the Mini Cooper Hardtop is closest in spirit to the original. In a world where so many cars try to be all things to all people, the Mini excels by doing the opposite. It's impractical for a family, expensive if you want the best features, and doesn't ride that comfortably, but when the road starts to twist and you're in a hurry, there aren't many other cars that are as much fun under $25,000. Contributing to the feel-good factor that stems from the driving experience is the cheeky, highly customizable styling and the brand recognition that comes with Mini ownership. And, with the backing of BMW, it feels like a premium product. Although not the most rational purchase, the Mini Cooper Hardtop still sparks joy in its driver, and for that, we admire it.

There is something very appealing about a new Mini Cooper Hardtop hatchback in base form that keeps things simple. At below $24,000, it's more fun than a base Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla hatch - provided you don't need those cars' far more practical interiors. We'd also consider a base Cooper S, but the Mini starts to make less sense when fully loaded with features, as the price simply becomes harder to justify.