The Mini Hatch (F55) facelift Cooper S 2.0 Steptronic, produced for the 2018 model year, represents a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation Mini Hatch. Introduced in 2014, the F55 generation marked a significant departure from its predecessors, growing in size and adopting BMW’s UKL1 platform, shared with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The 2018 facelift brought subtle styling updates, enhanced technology, and refinements to the powertrain options. This particular variant, the 5-door Cooper S 2.0 with the Steptronic automatic transmission, occupied a mid-range position within the Hatch lineup, offering a balance between performance, practicality, and comfort. It aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience than the standard Cooper models, but without the outright sportiness – and higher price tag – of the John Cooper Works (JCW) variant.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mini |
| Model | Hatch |
| Generation | Hatch (F55, facelift 2018) 5-door |
| Type (Engine) | Cooper S 2.0 (192 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| 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 @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 96.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1250-4600 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1250-4600 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 | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 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) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| 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 | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 146 mm (5.75 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.0 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 Steptronic |
| 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 |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/55 R16 87W |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Cooper S 2.0 Steptronic is BMW’s B48A20A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine is a member of BMW’s modular engine family, known for its efficiency and performance. It utilizes direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and variable valve timing (VANOS) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The B48 engine produces 192 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque between 1250 and 4600 rpm. The Steptronic transmission is a 6-speed automatic gearbox, offering smooth shifts and adaptive learning capabilities. It features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control, though its programming leans towards comfort and fuel efficiency rather than aggressive performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 192 hp Cooper S 2.0 Steptronic delivers brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds. While not as quick as the manual transmission or JCW variants, the automatic provides a more relaxed driving experience, particularly in urban traffic. The Steptronic transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy, meaning it doesn’t always select the lowest possible gear for maximum acceleration. This can result in a slight delay in response when overtaking or climbing hills. However, the engine’s broad torque curve ensures that there’s ample power available across a wide range of engine speeds. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides good traction in most conditions, but can exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2018 Mini Hatch Cooper S 2.0 Steptronic came standard with a generous array of features, including automatic climate control, a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Mini Connected services, Bluetooth connectivity, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Standard safety equipment included ABS, stability control, and multiple airbags. Optional extras included a larger 8.8-inch infotainment system with navigation, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and various customization options for the interior and exterior. Interior upholstery typically consisted of cloth or leatherette, with a range of color combinations available. The dashboard featured the iconic Mini circular center display and toggle switches.
Chassis & Braking
The F55 Cooper S 2.0 utilizes an independent suspension setup, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. This provides a comfortable ride quality while maintaining good handling characteristics. The suspension is tuned to be slightly firmer than the standard Cooper models, reflecting the Cooper S’s sportier intentions. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard features. The steering is electrically assisted, providing precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Cooper S 2.0 Steptronic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and engaging driving experience. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission could feel slightly hesitant at times, and that the fuel economy wasn’t quite as good as some competitors. Compared to the manual transmission Cooper S, the Steptronic offered greater convenience but slightly reduced performance. Compared to the standard Cooper, the Cooper S provided a noticeable boost in power and handling. Against rivals like the Volkswagen GTI and Audi A3, the Mini offered a more unique and characterful driving experience, but often at a higher price point.
Legacy
The B48 engine has proven to be a reliable and durable powerplant, although some early examples experienced issues with oil leaks and timing chain tensioners. The Steptronic transmission is generally considered to be reliable, but regular maintenance, including fluid changes, is essential. Today, the 2018 Mini Hatch Cooper S 2.0 Steptronic remains a popular choice in the used car market, appealing to buyers who want a stylish, fun-to-drive hatchback with a premium feel. Its relatively compact size and good fuel economy make it well-suited for urban driving, while its sporty performance ensures that it’s still enjoyable on winding roads.
