The Mini Hatch (F55) 5-door Cooper S 2.0 Automatic, produced from March 2014 to 2018, represents a significant iteration of the iconic British small car, now under BMW ownership. This variant occupied a performance-oriented mid-range position within the F55 5-door lineup, slotting above the Cooper models and below potential JCW (John Cooper Works) offerings. Built on the UKL1 platform (shared with BMW 2 Series Active Tourer), the F55 aimed to blend Mini’s traditional go-kart handling with increased practicality offered by the five-door configuration. The Cooper S 2.0 Automatic was primarily marketed towards drivers seeking a spirited driving experience combined with the convenience of an automatic transmission and the added space of the five-door body style.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mini |
| Model | Hatch |
| Generation | Hatch (F55) 5-door |
| Type (Engine) | Cooper S 2.0 (192 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | March, 2014 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.9 – 7.0 l/100 km (34.1 – 33.6 US mpg, 40.9 – 40.4 UK mpg, 14.5 – 14.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 – 4.6 l/100 km (52.3 – 51.1 US mpg, 62.8 – 61.4 UK mpg, 22.2 – 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.4 – 5.5 l/100 km (43.6 – 42.8 US mpg, 52.3 – 51.4 UK mpg, 18.5 – 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 125 – 128 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp, 154.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 241.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 192 Hp @ 4700-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1250-4750 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1250-4750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B48A20A |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.25 l (5.55 US qt | 4.62 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1240 kg (2733.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max load | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 278 l (9.82 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 941 l (33.23 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 44 l (11.62 US gal | 9.68 UK gal) |
| Length | 4005 mm (157.68 in.) |
| Width | 1727 mm (67.99 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2567 mm (101.06 in.) |
| Front track | 1501 mm (59.09 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1501 mm (59.09 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 146 mm (5.75 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/55 R16 87W |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Cooper S 2.0 Automatic is the BMW-sourced B48A20A 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is a member of BMW’s modular engine family, featuring a single-scroll twin-turbocharger system, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing (VANOS) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The B48 engine is known for its responsiveness and relatively high specific output. The engine produces 192 horsepower at 4700-6000 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque between 1250-4750 rpm. The automatic transmission is a 6-speed Aisin-sourced unit, chosen for its smooth operation and efficiency. It’s not a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) like some competitors, but provides adequate shift speed for everyday driving and spirited acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The Cooper S 2.0 Automatic delivers a noticeably more engaging driving experience than the standard Cooper models. While the automatic transmission doesn’t offer the same level of control as a manual gearbox, it provides smooth and relatively quick shifts. The engine’s strong low-end torque makes it feel responsive in city driving, and the turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power during acceleration. The 0-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds is respectable for a small hatchback. Compared to a manual transmission Cooper S, the automatic version typically exhibits slightly slower acceleration due to inherent transmission losses. However, the convenience of the automatic makes it a popular choice for daily commuting.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cooper S 2.0 Automatic came standard with a generous amount of equipment. Interior features typically included sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Mini Connected services. Exterior features included 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust outlets, and unique Cooper S styling cues. Optional extras included larger alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, parking sensors, and a premium sound system. Interior upholstery options ranged from cloth to leather, and various trim finishes were available to personalize the cabin.
Chassis & Braking
The F55 5-door Cooper S features a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and sporty handling. The Cooper S models typically received a slightly stiffer suspension setup compared to the standard Cooper, along with a thicker front stabilizer bar. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The steering is an electric power-assisted rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mini Cooper S 2.0 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its engaging driving dynamics, stylish design, and premium interior. However, some critics noted that the automatic transmission wasn’t as sporty as a manual gearbox, and the rear seat space, while improved over previous Mini generations, was still somewhat limited. Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen GTI, the Mini offered a more unique and stylish experience, but the GTI often provided more practicality and a slightly more refined driving experience. Fuel economy was competitive for the segment, averaging around 43 mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The B48 engine in the F55 Cooper S 2.0 Automatic has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain. While some early B48 engines experienced issues with oil leaks, these were largely addressed with updated engine seals. The Aisin automatic transmission is also known for its durability. Today, used F55 Cooper S 2.0 Automatic models represent a good value for buyers seeking a fun-to-drive and stylish small hatchback. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and timely servicing of the cooling system, is crucial to ensure long-term reliability. The F55 Cooper S 2.0 Automatic remains a popular choice among Mini enthusiasts and those looking for a premium small car experience.
