LOOKS

As the name MINI would suggest, this is a small car. Even the biggest MINIs are not that big, and this is in the middle of their size range.

As a result, you run into why MINI is a niche brand -- it’s too little for most people. I am a tick over 6 feet tall, so when I came to traffic lights, I had to duck down and lean forward to see the color of the light … six inches shorter I might have been OK.
Also, some helpful tech features are offered on this MINI like a heads-up display, but I was too tall to even see the information on the display properly.

Beyond the driver needing to be smaller, trying to put four or five people in this car is not something I would recommend. I tried it once and we were all feeling like sardines.

Externally, the MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4-door is quite stunning, with its light blue and black design something you’ll not find on anything else on the road. Many fashion-focused types (read: mostly females) will find that to be a positive attribute. Inside, the car tries to appeal to younger buyers with some different light schemes (including purple lights) displaying various levels on its systems (temperature, etc.).

Inside you get decent-quality materials, but nothing like you would get in a BMW -- this is a mostly entry-level quality car that I wouldn’t associate too much with the parent brand in this area.

The size, look and design of this MINI (and most in the brand’s lineup) convey that it is aimed at a specific audience: Young people who want a fast, small attractive car and don’t need a lot of room for passengers.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

This is one area where the MINI shines. My test vehicle featured a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine that puts out 189 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque  A manual transmission is standard but you can opt for an automatic.

Speed comes in spades (not surprising considering BMW is in the lineage), and you’ll fly away from the rest of traffic. It moves quite well.
Be aware though: While fast, the ride is not all that smooth. I found road noise to be more prevalent that I would have liked, and the ride also got quite bumpy at times.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

I wasn’t a huge fan of the tech interface on the MINI, as I didn’t find it nearly as user-friendly as compared to other automakers’ systems.

Optional tech/safety features include power folding mirrors, heated front seats; navigation system; keyless entry; moonroof; harman/kardon premium sound system, LED foglights and headlights -- among others.

Be aware though, that adding features adds up quickly in the price column.
My test vehicle came in at $35,900. It had a lot of these helpful features, but for a car this size the price still stings a bit. (A base version of the MINI 4-door can be years for closer to $20K, but you’re getting a no-frills ride).

Official fuel economy numbers on the MINI 4-door are 26 city/33 highway/29 combined -- not terrible but nothing to write home about for a car this size.

BOTTOM LINE

If you are part of the group that this vehicle clearly targets (young people who want a cool-looking, fast ride and don’t need a large vehicle), the 2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4-door is right up your alley. When my daughter turns 16, she might come to me asking for this type of vehicle.

If you’re anyone else (specifically, anyone taller than 5 feet 6 inches, or anyone who wants to regularly transport family or friends in your vehicle), I would steer clear.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.