The 2024 Mini Cooper S (good heavens, I’m still a hopeless fanboy!) refuses to fade from my affection even after sampling every generation since 2020 and spin-off model across its vibrant lineage. And now, faced with the bittersweet reality that this might just be my last dance with the ICE Cooper S before it jumps the fence to full electricity in the coming years… someone, please, pinch me hard! It’s a bittersweet farewell to a fiery little dynamo that still oozes charm, personality, and more pep than a toddler on a sugar rush.

For four glorious days, Pune’s tangled streets, expressways, pothole-laden alleys, and sleepy bylanes became my testing grounds for this Sunny Side Yellow-streaked little ball of rebellion. Forget just being a “cute urban widget”—this Mini proved itself a proper city warrior. So buckle up for a ride through this detailed, slightly dramatic, and distinctly nose-in-the-air review, where no stone, pothole, or sidewalk café crowd was left unturned. And yes, we’ll answer all your questions about this audacious yellow paint and the symphonic snarl of its turbocharged heart.

Exterior Design: Little billboard of fun

First impressions? Let’s just say Sunny Side Yellow doesn’t whisper ‘look at me’—it screams it through a megaphone atop a double-decker bus. Our test car’s paint job was less “colour” and more “conversation starter.” During its delivery at our Pune HQ, pedestrians slowed, necks craned, and even street vendors threw up approving thumbs.

Under the city’s unrelenting sun, the yellow wasn’t just bright—it radiated happiness. Against Pune’s muted greys and lush roadside greens, the Mini looked like a high-voltage candy wrapper darting through the urban jungle.

The design updates for 2024 walk a tightrope between old-school Mini nostalgia and crisp modernity. The basic silhouette stays blessedly the same: short, wide, and cheekily unapologetic. But details matter, and Mini has paid attention—the front grille now rocks a bold octagonal frame (goodbye, trapezoid), while the cheeky ‘S’ badge winks at you like a mischievous schoolboy. The round LED headlights feature customizable daytime running lights that can pulse or wink, meaning your Mini can literally flirt with passersby.

Ditching chrome, the blacked-out grille, smoked side scuttles, and stealthy mirror caps add just the right dollop of menace to all the cute. Ride on 17-inch alloys, catch reflections bouncing off the gloss roof (you can opt for a piano black one too), and you have a rolling, urban fashion statement.

At the rear, the signature Union Jack taillights remain—because some traditions are simply too fabulous to abandon. Every time they lit up while braking, it felt like a micro fireworks show designed purely for our amusement.

Whether parked at a swanky café or squeezed into a ratty old city street, the Mini drew whispers, stares, and a surprising number of unsolicited selfies—even from people who probably thought it was a taxi. (More on that later.)

Performance and Driving Dynamics: Zippy sunshine on wheels

Pop that pert little hood, and you’re greeted by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that’s had a small but meaningful boost for 2024. Mini now quotes a healthy 201.36bhp and 300 Nm of torque—noticeably up from the older 175.56bhp and 280 Nm figures. Trust me, you feel every bit of that bump.

Throttle it, and the Mini launches like a Labrador spotting a tennis ball. The turbo spools up with a breathy whoosh, and before you know it, you’re slicing through traffic with the eagerness of a caffeinated terrier. Whether it was quick lane changes, slotting into gaps in traffic, or climbing the steep roads toward Lavasa’s shoot location, the Mini felt like a big heart crammed into a tiny body.

Officially, it claims a 0–100 km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds. Unofficially, Pune’s arterial chaos didn’t allow for stopwatch action, but “brisk” doesn’t even begin to describe it. The Mini surges ahead with manic glee—every green light became a private launch party.

The go-kart handling myth? True. Turn-in is immediate and laser-sharp; even around hairpins or twisty approaches, the steering is ultra-quick and feeds back all the miniaturised drama you could hope for. Body roll? Practically absent. The Cooper S grips like a spider on caffeine.

However, because every rose has its thorns, the ride is firm here. Pune’s famed potholes weren’t just noticed—they were felt deep within the soul. It’s not back-breaking, but it’s definitely “sports car stiff” rather than “SUV squishy.” If your commute involves a minefield masquerading as a road, consider sticking to the stock 17-inchers and skipping the optional 18s.

Brakes? Good, if a touch soft initially. You’ll need a moment to adjust to the pedal feel, but once dialled in, they shed speed confidently—even when an autorickshaw materialises in your lane out of nowhere.

The gearbox, a slick 8-speed dual-clutch auto, keeps up gamely. Shifts are quick and largely intuitive. But… no paddle shifters?! Come on, Mini! A car this rascally begs for manual override. There’s no traditional shifter either—just a toggle switch. It’s practical but lacks the tactile satisfaction purists crave.

And the parking brake? Electronic. Sorry, boys and girls, no yanking handbrakes to tail-out at your favourite corners. It’s just your dreams skidding into a soft electronic ‘click.’

Thankfully, Go-Kart Mode rescues the drama. Dial it up, and the throttle sharpens, gearshifts crisp up, and—hilariously—the cabin lights glow red as if you’ve entered a tiny, angry nightclub. The artificially enhanced exhaust note in the cabin feels cheeky, not cheesy; blipping tunnels in this Mini is a guilty pleasure we will never apologise for.

In short, performance is perky, handling is electric, and while the ride can get bouncy, the sheer fun factor more than makes up for it.

Interior Experience and Tech: High-tech bubble with nostalgic charm

Climb inside, and it’s immediately clear: the 2024 Cooper S’s cabin is equal parts playful and posh. The biggest party trick? That massive 9.4-inch round OLED touchscreen dead centre on the dash—because why have a boring rectangle when you can have a full-blown spaceship control centre?

Gone is the separate instrument cluster. Instead, the central screen doubles as your speedo, tacho, navigation, media hub, and even mood board depending on the drive mode. It’s colourful, responsive, and just a touch confusing initially, thanks to layered menus.
(Pro tip: do a little homework before you hit the road, lest you find yourself hunting for the A/C controls mid-traffic.)

There’s a blissful mix of old-school toggles, too. A tactile row of metal switches below the screen lets you control quick settings like defrosters, camera views, and driver aids. Plus, there’s a glorious jet fighter-style ignition switch—a chrome toggle that demands a flick to bring the car to life. Every start felt like prepping for take-off.

Material quality is top-notch. Plush soft-touch panels, funky recycled fabric on the dash (eco-cool!), and zero leather anywhere—everything’s sustainable but still posh. The steering wheel, now fully synthetic, feels buttery soft and surprisingly expensive. Honestly? Most people would never guess it isn’t real leather.

The seats are sporty but forgiving. Side bolstering holds you snug during cornering shenanigans, though taller or wider drivers like yours truly may miss adjustable thigh support.

Tech goodies? Abundant. Apple CarPlay is seamless (Apple CarPlay slips in effortlessly, but Android Auto? Still nowhere to be found.). Wireless charging sits in the centre console. A crisp Harman Kardon audio system blasts your playlist loud enough to make neighbouring cars jealous. Oh, and there’s an interior camera to film your drive.

(Because why just tell your friends you took someone special out for a spin in the Mini when you can show them?)

Rear seats are predictably tight—best treated as an occasional kid hauler or emergency adult trap. The boot isn’t massive, but it’ll easily handle grocery runs or a weekend getaway bag.

Visibility, happily, remains a strong point. Slim pillars, big windows, and upright seating make the Mini surprisingly practical for urban warfare.

Overall, the cabin feels joyous, premium, and unique. It’s a tiny luxury lounge—one with more personality than cars double its size (and price).

City Driving Drama and Real-World Adventures: Pune’s mini action movie

If driving the Mini Cooper S around Pune was a movie, it would be called Fast & Fabulous: Pothole Drift.

Day 1: stuck in predictable evening gridlock, the Mini’s adorable little horn achieved little except amused glances. But when the light turned green? Whoosh. The Mini bolted ahead, weaving through rickshaws and scooters like a bumblebee on rocket fuel.

In Koregaon Park, Insta-hungry teenagers couldn’t resist whipping out phones. “Yellow Mini looks 🔥!” texted a friend after spotting me mid-signal. In shopping areas of Pune, tight lanes became a go-kart track, the Mini squeezing between autos, cycles, and milling shoppers with ballerina-like nimbleness.

Fuel economy averaged a respectable 10–11 kmpl—a win, considering how gleefully we chased every open stretch of tarmac. Parallel parking? Child’s play. Turning radius? Delightfully tiny. Urban driving felt less like commuting and more like starring in a personal action-comedy.

Even refuelling sparked conversations. “Sir, yeh Mini ka naya model hai kya?” smiled an intrigued petrol pump attendant.

It wasn’t just a car anymore—it was an event.

Final Verdict: Sunny side up, always

After 290 spirited kilometres of Pune’s toughest tests, the 2024 Mini Cooper S left a permanent grin on my face.

This Cooper S is every bit the cheeky, agile, joy-injected hot hatch it promises to be. Its boosted turbo engine and hyperactive handling make daily commutes feel like adventures. The tech-laden yet character-rich interior ensures you’re cocooned in style.

Sure, we mourn the lack of paddle shifters and a physical handbrake. Sure, the ride’s firm. But none of that dims the experience. The Cooper S injects pure, unfiltered fun into every trip.

The 2024 Mini Cooper S wears a ₹44.9 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag, and every rupee buys you attitude and agility. But it’s not meant to be. It’s a little rolling rebellion for people who refuse to drive beige boxes.

In a city of chaos, the Mini reminds you to smile at strangers, wink at traffic lights, and treat every commute as a parade.

Final say: For drivers who want every trip to feel like a love story, a race, and a party rolled into one, the 2024 Mini Cooper S is your soulmate.

Thumbs-up, heart-eyes, and full gas ahead.

Shot by: AliAsgar Karmawla for DAG India