Mini Cooper vs Skoda Fabia
What's the difference?

Mini Cooper

$44,990 - $65,990

2025 price

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Skoda Fabia

$24,690 - $33,485

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2025 Mini Cooper

2024 Skoda Fabia

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

5.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Lively powertrains
Brilliant dashboard
Fun to drive

Playful and capable
Ergonomics and ‘Skoda’ touches
Fresh exterior design

Dislikes

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

Interior styling still looks sub-$30K
Low-speed DSG hesitancy
Rear seat space

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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2024 Skoda Fabia Summary

The smallest car in Skoda’s local line-up is also its most affordable, but only just.

When the current generation Fabia launched with the halo Monte Carlo variant at almost $40,000, it was a bit of a surprise for a small hatch from what’s seen as an affordable brand.

Now, there’s a new entry-level version of Skoda’s bub and, while it’s not nearly as cheap as it once was, it offers a choice that’s more within reach for anyone keen on a premium small car.

Can the Fabia Select convince customers looking at the likes of the Mazda 2 or Suzuki Swift to go Euro and cross the $30,000 threshold?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mini Cooper 2024 Skoda Fabia

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

Once you get past the shock of the Fabia no longer being a sub-$25K car (because let’s face it, what is anymore?), the fact that it remains refreshingly simple to live with and engaging on the road should be celebrated.

It has its downsides if you need space, and you can buy a light (or even small) SUV for the same price, but you’ll be compromising in other areas.

The Skoda Fabia can’t do everything, but what it can, it does well. Plus, it’s certainly less common than the similarly priced Toyota Yaris.

Mini Cooper vs Skoda Fabia What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mini Cooper vs Skoda Fabia
What's the difference?