2010 MINI Hardtop: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The most important change for the 2010 MINI Hardtop is a multifunction steering wheel with cruise control becoming standard on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light update with the same body, engines, and front-wheel-drive layout as 2009.

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About the 2010 MINI Hardtop

2nd generation Hardtop (R56, 2007-2013), pre-refresh year

MINI positioned the Hardtop as a small premium hatch built around "go-kart" handling, a tiny footprint, and a cabin that squeezes surprising usefulness into a short body. The base Cooper leaned into efficiency and city-friendly fun, the Cooper S added real punch, and the John Cooper Works turned that same shape into a serious performance car. What set the model apart was not space or softness, but personality, quick responses, and unmistakable retro MINI styling.

The Cooper is the everyday version, with a 118-hp engine and a focus on lively handling and fuel economy. The turbocharged 172-hp Cooper S adds quicker performance, a hood scoop, and a sportier suspension, while the 208-hp John Cooper Works tops the range with upgraded brakes, a sport exhaust, and a manual transmission.

What changed, by category

Tech

A multifunction steering wheel with cruise control became standard across the Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works trims.

2010 MINI Hardtop specs and features by trim

Feature	2010 MINI HardtopCooper1 in stock	2010 MINI HardtopCooper S0 in stock	2010 MINI HardtopJohn Cooper Works0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic	Manual, 6-Spd	Manual, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	25 mpg	24 mpg	25 mpg
MPG Highway	33 mpg	32 mpg	33 mpg
Horsepower	118 hp	172 hp	208 hp
Torque	114 lb-ft	177 lb-ft	192 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	5.7 cu-ft	5.7 cu-ft	5.7 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	29.2 in	29.2 in	29.2 in
Seats	4	4	4
Doors	2	2	2
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start

How the 2011 MINI Hardtop compares

The biggest change for the 2011 MINI Hardtop is a mid-cycle refresh, not a full redesign. It brings updated exterior styling, revised cabin details, stronger Cooper and Cooper S engines, and more standard technology.

See the full 2011 changes

Frequently asked questions

What changed on the 2010 MINI Hardtop compared with the 2009 model?

The 2010 MINI Hardtop made a multifunction steering wheel with cruise control standard on every trim. There was no redesign or major engine change.

Was the 2010 MINI Hardtop redesigned?

No. The 2010 MINI Hardtop continued with the same second-generation body and front-wheel-drive layout. Its only meaningful lineup-wide update was newly standard steering-wheel controls and cruise control.

Does every 2010 MINI Hardtop have cruise control?

Yes. Cruise control and a multifunction steering wheel are standard on the 2010 Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works Hardtops.

How is the 2010 Cooper S different from the Cooper?

The 2010 Cooper S is the quicker, sportier version. It has a 172-hp turbocharged engine, a hood scoop, and a sport-tuned suspension, while the Cooper uses a 118-hp engine and emphasizes everyday driving and fuel economy.

What distinguishes the 2010 John Cooper Works Hardtop?

The 2010 John Cooper Works is the most performance-focused Hardtop. It has a 208-hp turbocharged engine, a manual transmission, upgraded brakes, 17-inch wheels, and a sport exhaust system.