We’ve been very vocal about MINI’s decision to eliminate the manual transmission globally, and equally outspoken about MINI’s choice to exclude shift paddles on the Cooper in most of America. While we can understand the rationale behind losing the manual (even if we strongly disagree with it), omitting shift paddles feels like a bizarre oversight. Now that Coopers are filtering through to other American journalists, it seems we’re not the only ones who feel this way.

F66 MINI Cooper S – no shift paddles in sight

If you haven’t been following “Paddlegate,” as DB coined it on a recent episode of the White Roof Radio podcast, here’s a bit of background. In an effort to preserve the exclusivity of the JCW brand, MINI USA, MINI of Canada and MINI of Brazil all decided against offering the JCW Trim package—a package that provides the look of a JCW to any model, along with some nice but minor upgrades. This decision indirectly eliminated shift paddles, as MINI’s global strategy ties them to either full JCW models or MINIs equipped with the JCW Trim. As a result, many American customers seeking manual gear-shifting options in non-JCW models found themselves without viable choices. The one exception is the F65 five door Cooper which is offering with the JCW Trim for the sole reason that there’s no full JCW model offered globally.

The shift paddles found on the Cooper S with JCW Trim – an option the North America doesn’t get.

What are the effects? Look at almost any review of the new Cooper in the U.S., Canada or Brazil and you’ll find a mention of the lack of any way to manually shift the car. The journalists we’ve spoken to off the record have expressed shock at this decision. Here are a few examples from U.S. media:

  • Road & Track: R&T’s take is rather damning: “Some of its performance ergonomics fall flat (no paddle shifters, no manual transmission, and minimal chassis customization).”
  • The Drive: Their review also notes the lack of manual shift paddles suggesting that while the new Cooper S remains fun to drive, this omission might hurt its appeal among enthusiasts. 
  • Edmunds: In their first drive review, Edmunds complains that the Cooper S does not have shift paddles or any other method for the driver to select gears manually, describing this as an “unusual oversight.
  • CarBuzz: Their first drive review mentions the lack of paddle shifters as well, noting that there’s no way to manually shift the transmission, which is inconvenient during overtaking. 
  • Autoblog: Their review also points out that the Cooper S lacks paddle, which is a notable omission for enthusiasts looking for more control and engagement.
  • MotorTrend: They call-out the lack of shift paddles as one of the “key things missing, like a manual transmission”
  • Car and Driver: Finally C&D get to the point by saying that
    models don’t come with paddle shifters either, which “seems like an oversight.”

Sure, in this age of appliance-like cars, most consumers won’t care. But a MINI buyer is not your typical consumer. The desire to be engaged in the driving experience is something almost all MINI owners share. Even if they don’t all drive manuals or use the automatic’s shift paddles frequently, the owners we talk to love knowing that those features are there and that they can engage with the car in that manner.

F66 MINI Cooper S

While the total lack of shift paddles on the Cooper (and the non-JCW Countryman) is a distinctly American issue, there’s a bigger global issue. MINI has eliminated paddles shifters from any model without the JCW brand on it. This worldwide decision is at odds with where the Mini brand came from. Since the bringing Mini has offered a range of products that is able to deliver driving engagement even in the smallest, most basic packages.

So, what happens when MINI loses that appeal? We’re not ones to rely on social media comments, but we do pay attention to the (typically more informed) discussions on MotoringFile. And the call for manuals—or at least shift paddles—is loud and clear.

Luckily it would seem MINI has heard some of this feedback as MINI USA is lobbying MINI Global to bring back the manual to the F65, F66 and F67 Coopers. But what about the shift paddles? Wouldn’t that be a simpler thing to begin offering?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.