This isn’t the first time MINI has partnered with Paul Smith, the British fashion designer with his eponymous brand. In 1998, he helped create a limited-edition Mini Cooper finished in Paul Smith Blue. Just 1,800 examples were produced, with 300 destined for the UK and the remainder shipped to Japan. Another followed in 1999 to celebrate the Mini’s 40th anniversary, before the pair reunited again in 2021 and 2022. Now, in 2026, the collaboration returns for a fifth instalment, and we think it’s their most successful yet.
The fourth-generation MINI Cooper is already one of the most stylish vehicles on sale, with oversized headlights, pleasing proportions, and seemingly endless customization options. The Paul Smith Edition takes that design and adds a distinctly British flourish, with the brand’s multicoloured stripe across the roof and steering wheel, Paul Smith branding on the tailgate, wheel caps, and seats, and floor mats featuring the designer’s rabbit logo.
Custom puddle lights project a welcoming “hello” onto the ground, while the door sills carry a similarly cheerful message. Even the MINI’s Personal Driving Mode gets a bespoke Paul Smith background. None of these additions fundamentally change the car’s driving behaviour, but together, they give it a personality that feels thoughtfully curated rather than slapped on for the sake of a special edition. It’s classic, with a twist.
Several colour combinations are available, but we think Inspired White with the Nottingham Green roof and mirror caps best captures the spirit of the collaboration. The creamy, almost pastel-like white plays beautifully against the muted olive-green accents, giving the little hatchback a look that’s understated without being dull. We’re equally pleased that MINI chose the Cooper S as the foundation rather than the John Cooper Works. The latter leans a little too heavily into performance for this kind of outfit, with a punishing ride and an overeager gearbox. The Cooper S, by contrast, is the Goldilocks of the lineup, striking a sweet spot between everyday refinement and weekend entertainment.
Under the hood sits a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, channelled through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s a suitably punchy powerplant that delivers the sprightly acceleration and eager character expected of a MINI, although the gearbox can occasionally lose its composure during low-speed maneuvers and rolling stops. The optional adaptive suspension is a welcome addition, absorbing harsh bumps while keeping the car composed and its wheels planted over uneven pavement, but don’t expect the more coddling ride of the 5-door variant or the Countryman. When the road begins to snake, the MINI remains tenacious, with sticky Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 tires providing tremendous grip through the corners. It’s entertaining without demanding the compromises that come with stepping up to the more hardcore JCW.
Choosing this 3-door, 4-seater hatchback means making a few sacrifices. It can’t match the practicality of the 5-door or the larger Countryman, but its diminutive footprint makes it a natural fit for tight parking spaces and narrow urban streets. Inside, however, MINI makes excellent use of the available real estate. The cabin is ergonomically sound, the materials feel suitably upscale for a vehicle costing less than $50,000, and the overall presentation gives the impression of something considerably more expensive.
Dominating the dashboard is a 9.4-inch frameless circular OLED touchscreen, which runs MINI’s latest infotainment system. It’s responsive to touch inputs but can lag when you’re too quick with inputs. Replacing the traditional gear selector with a dashboard-mounted toggle also frees up valuable space in the centre console, making room for a particularly useful storage cubby. It’s a practical box to stash your wallet, keys, and other everyday essentials, especially for drivers who don’t carry a bag or have pockets deep enough. The only drawback is that the lid opens away from the driver, making its contents less accessible to the passenger.
This probably won’t be the last time Paul Smith lends his creative touch to a MINI. The latest collaboration adds a cheeky dose of British charm to an already chic hatchback without compromising the qualities that make the Cooper S such an appealing everyday companion. While the JCW is a little too focused on track performance, and the Countryman is a little too immersed in family duties, the Cooper S occupies the sweet spot between the two. And in a world where the cars on our roads seem increasingly smothered in shades of grey, black, and white, there’s something refreshing about a special edition that dares to have a little fun with colour.
Specifications:
Model: 2027 MINI Cooper S 3 Door Paul Smith Edition
Paint Type: Inspired White
Base Price: $44,990
Price as Tested: $49,640
Length/Width/Height (mm): 3,879 / 1,744 / 1,431
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 201 hp
Torque: 221 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, FWD
Observed Fuel Economy (L/100km): 7.9
Tires: Hankook Ventus S1 evo3; 215/40R18
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