2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant evolution from its earlier, more conservative designs. The Sentra's front end featured the V-Motion grille, complemented by expressive headlights that gave it a serious look. Available in six vibrant colours, including Monarch Orange Metallic and Electric Blue, the Sentra offered a range of two-tone paint schemes for the SR trim, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Sentra boasted a spacious and well-organized cabin, with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on SV and SR trims. The flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch, while the roomy second row and 404-litre trunk capacity made it practical for everyday use.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper retained its iconic design, albeit with modern updates. The refreshed model featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, maintaining its distinctive MINI charm. The Convertible version, while exuding personality, struggled with awkward proportions, particularly with the new grille design. Inside, the MINI Convertible offered a retro-modern feel, with a wide range of customization options. However, the rear seats were largely impractical, and the trunk space was limited to 147 litres. Despite these limitations, the MINI Convertible promised a fun driving experience, especially with the top down, though it prioritized form over function.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, offering adequate performance for city driving. In Canada, manual transmission options were available for the S and SR trims, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Sentra's fuel efficiency was commendable, with consumption rates of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for the S and SV models. The suspension and steering setup delivered tidy road manners, making the Sentra a balanced choice for those seeking efficiency and practicality.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, on the other hand, offered a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. For more spirited performance, the Cooper S variant featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, with options for a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cooper S accelerated to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, providing a lively driving experience. However, the steering and brake feel were less precise, and the ride quality varied depending on road conditions. Despite these drawbacks, the MINI Cooper offered a fun, albeit inconsistent, driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra excelled in practicality, with well-placed features and ample storage options. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with a traditional gear selector, open cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort on long journeys, and the rear seats offered decent space for passengers. The Sentra's trunk capacity of 404 litres further enhanced its practicality, making it a suitable choice for families or those needing extra cargo space.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized style over practicality. The Convertible's rear seats were largely unusable, and the trunk space was limited to 147 litres, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was minimal, with the infotainment controls consuming valuable space on the centre console. While the MINI's design was charming, it lacked the practicality needed for everyday use. For those requiring more space, other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop or Clubman offered better options.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came equipped with a range of infotainment features, including a 7-inch touchscreen in the S trim and an 8-inch touchscreen in the SV and SR trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, along with Bluetooth and hands-free text messaging. The SR Premium offered a premium Bose sound system, enhancing the audio experience. While navigation was not available, smartphone integration provided access to navigation apps.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colours, changing based on vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay was available, but Android Auto was not. The system included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and BMW-based connected services. A head-up display and Harman Kardon sound system were optional, providing a premium audio experience. Despite the convertible's open design, the screens remained visible in most lighting conditions.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including advanced airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, while lacking official crash-test ratings, featured newly standard Driving Assistant technology. This included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was not available, posing a challenge with the convertible's visibility. The lane-departure warning system was effective, providing subtle feedback to the driver.