Mini Cooper vs BMW 1 Series

What's the difference?

VS
Mini Cooper
Mini Cooper

$41,990 - $63,990

2025 price

BMW 1 Series
BMW 1 Series

$54,800 - $84,100

2025 price

Summary

2025 Mini Cooper
2025 BMW 1 Series
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency
6.3L/100km (combined)

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Seating
4

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Dislikes
  • Expensive
  • Petrol-powered Minis aren't a great leap forward
  • No manual gearbox availability

  • New face might divide opinion
  • Second-row amenities lacking
  • A tad thirsty
2025 Mini Cooper Summary

Can it be possible that, between 1959 and 2023, there have only been four distinct generations of Mini? 

Besides the 1959 British Motor Corporation (BMC) original, it’s just been a trio of hatchback versions under BMW stewardship – the R50 of 2001, 2006’s R56 and the 2014 F56.

Now, in 2024, that number has suddenly jumped to six. 

The F56 has morphed into the lightly restyled and solely petrol-powered F66 Cooper range in F66 three-door (3DR) and coming F65 five-door (5DR) hatchback guises like before.

Meanwhile, the completely new and electric-only J01 Cooper 3DR joins the fold, along with its J05 Aceman 5DR crossover spin-off.

Despite their shared name and similar styling inside and out, the British-built Cooper and electric Cooper from China are two different cars. You can read all about the latter in another review, as this is about the petrol-powered Cooper range.

More of a thorough makeover and less of a total redesign, has it changed enough? Let’s find out. 

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2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mini Cooper 2025 BMW 1 Series

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