Opinion: Lack of Shift Paddles in North America is Hurting MINI’s Reputation

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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 North 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 North 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 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, U.S. 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. or Canada, 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.

• Edmunds: Their first drive review points out 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.” 
• The Drive: This review notes the absence of manual shift paddles behind the steering wheel, suggesting that while the Cooper S remains fun to drive, this omission is a departure from previous models. 
• CarBuzz: Their first drive review mentions the lack of paddle shifters in the Cooper S, noting that there’s no way to manually shift the transmission, which can be inconvenient during overtaking maneuvers. 
• Autoblog: The review points out that the Cooper S lacks paddle shifters, which is a notable omission for enthusiasts seeking more control over gear selection.
• MotorTrend: There are, however, some key things missing, like a manual transmission and paddle shifters.
• Car and Driver: Most models don’t come with paddle shifters either, which seems like an oversight.
• Road & Track: Some of its performance ergonomics fall flat (no paddle shifters, no manual transmission, and minimal chassis customization).

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.

F66 MINI Cooper S

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 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.

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