Mini Cooper vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?

Mini Cooper

$44,990 - $65,990

2025 price

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Citroen C3

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2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2025 Mini Cooper

2023 Citroen C3

By Byron Mathioudakis

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

5.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Lively powertrains
Brilliant dashboard
Fun to drive

Equipment
Design
Space efficiency

Dislikes

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

Price
Sub-par refinement
Ownership costs

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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2023 Citroen C3 Summary

You’re a city dweller on the hunt for a small hatch, but the usual suspects just don’t do it for you. Time for a trip down the urban road less travelled.

The Citroen C3 fits the bill in terms of scale, but brings something extra when it comes to personality. A fun-sized European with the ability to surprise and delight.

It comes at a price, though. So, is the promise of some extra excitement in your motoring life worth it? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mini Cooper 2023 Citroen C3

Verdict

The new petrol Cooper range very gently evolves the upmarket Cool Britannia cliché BMW invented with the R50 back in 2001 and fostered with every iteration since.

More of the same, only slightly updated and just improved enough to justify trading the old one in. If this appeals to you, then go for it. This is the best petrol version yet. Probably.

But the Cooper’s real spark literally and metaphorically lies within the EV version.

Two very different Minis indeed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The Citroen C3’s plus column contains some big ticket items like a solid standard equipment list, design flair, generous interior space, an eager engine, good safety and a comfy suspension. However, the minus side of the ledger isn’t exactly empty, with entries like steep price, marginal perceived quality, poor cabin storage, sub-par refinement, okay economy, and high ownership costs.

But there’s no doubt this car delivers a different, adventurous take on the city-sized hatch, and for you, that alone may count for more than any of those things.

Mini Cooper vs Citroen C3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mini Cooper vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?