Mini is making a few changes to the Hardtop line for 2023. The small vehicle gets Apple CarPlay as standard – it took long enough – and a new Resolute Edition. After removing the manual transmission from most of its vehicles in May 2022, the gearbox returned in October on select two-door Mini Hardtop models.
Beyond some new colors, the 2023 Mini Hardtop goes unchanged on the design front for the new model year. The subcompact car will continue to be offered in extra-small two-door models and reasonably small four-door models.
The Mini Hardtop is a modern take on a classic vehicle with round headlights, a wide-open oval trim piece that acts as a grille, and a rounded front bumper. The rear end features an upright liftgate, central dual exhaust outlets, and oval taillights that have the Union Jack flag on the inside.
The interior design of the 2023 Mini Hardtop is just as quirky as the exterior and won’t change for the new model year. The subcompact has a funky dashboard with a central touchscreen that sits inside a circular trim piece, round vents and controls, along with switch controls at the bottom of the center console. Because of its size, the Mini Hardtop isn’t the most subcompact option in the class and offers a paltry amount of cargo space.
The big news for 2023 is the addition of Apple CarPlay as standard. Every Mini Hardtop will continue to come with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and six audio speakers. Available features include a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a 12-speaker audio system. Android Auto is still missing.
The 2023 Mini Hardtop is available in four powertrains. The Cooper comes with a turbo 1.5-liter three-cylinder that makes 134 horsepower. The Cooper S gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s rated at 189 hp. The John Cooper Works trim gets a more powerful version of the four-cylinder that produces 228 hp.
The all-electric Cooper SE has a single electric motor that makes 181 hp and a 28.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission is available throughout the lineup. The electric Cooper SE has a single-speed transmission.
Mini will offer the 2023 Hardtop with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, and lane departure warning as standard. Available safety features include front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, hands-free park assist, and a head-up display.
