It’s 2025. MINI has a new toy for you.
Actually, they have two. The brand just revived its absolute entry-level car, the ‘One’. It hasn’t carried that badge since the original MINI launched way back in 2002. Back then, it was the affordable gateway to the weird and wonderful world of the round grille.
Now it’s back. And it’s still the cheapest way in.
Starting at £24,73,5 it undercuts the newly named MINI Cooper C by £750. That Cooper C now sits in the awkward middle ground — sandwiched between the frugal One and the punchier S models, let alone the full-bore John Cooper Works.
Less is more, literally
You want choices? Go buy a Cooper C. They have ‘Classic’, ‘Exclusive’, and ‘Sport’ trim packages. Fancy paint. Custom wheels. Body kits that cost more than your first apartment deposit.
The One doesn’t care about any of that.
There is only ‘Classic’. Period. You get 16-inch ‘4-square’ silver alloys. You get a roof the same color as the car. Three paint colors to choose from — silver, black, blue. That’s it.
But here’s the twist. You aren’t driving a tin can. Inside, it’s actually quite decent. Grey and blue cloth. A heated steering wheel because your hands deserve it. The big circular touchscreen is standard. Apple CarPlay works. Android Auto works. Navigation is there.
The engine is where things get quiet.
Under the bonk sits a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo. The same unit in the Cooper C pushes 154 horsepower. Here? They slapped a limiter on it. It outputs 121 hp. Zero to 62 mph takes 9.3 seconds.
Sounds slow? It’s 1.6 seconds faster than the 1999 original. So progress. Or something like that.
Production starts in July. If you’re in the mood for mediocrity wrapped in premium packaging, you’ll be happy.
Checkered stripes and Union Jacks
If the One is about subtraction, the new MINI Cooper Paul Smith Edition is about aggressive branding.
They announced an electric version last year. Now they’ve brought the British designer’s aesthetic to the petrol range. Three-door, five-door, even the convertible gets the treatment.
It’s loud. Not in volume. In pattern.
Three exterior colors: Statement Grey, Inspired White, or Midnight Black. But the real story is the Nottingham Green accents. On the convertible? A Union Jack soft-top. Because obviously.
Step inside and things get… cozy? The dashboard, door panels, and seats all feature knitted Paul Smith stripes. Even the steering wheel gets a stripe. It’s very busy.
Check the door sill. Handwritten there: “Everyday is a new beginning.”
Look down. On the front floor mat? A hand-drawn rabbit. Just sitting there. Waiting for you to press the gas pedal.
Prices start at £31,28 for the base Cooper C model. The S version is £32,33. Deliveries start this Autumn.
“Everyday is a new beginnings” — Paul Smith
You can have your 121-horsepower simplicity for twenty-five grand. Or you can have your stripes and your rabbit and your handwritten motto for thirty.
Neither is fast. Neither is subtle.
Which do you pick?
