Mini Cooper
IS THIS the car we could have done without? As if you didn’t know it, the MINI Mini has been a worldwide hit, selling over 800,000 examples and leading to increased production at the Cowley plant.
As an alternative to mainstream superminis it traded a little practicality for driving fun, style and a hefty dose of cheekiness. The sales figures showed hardly any signs of slowing, residual values are still great – who knows how long this version could have gone on. Yet now there’s a new model, and unlike many second-generation models, there’s no caveat with the term ‘new’.
There are few clues from the outside though. The blurb claims every exterior panel and detail is new, which is hard to argue with, though the way the new Mini slips into urban traffic without arousing suspicion suggests that it won’t upset current owners. Look closely and you’ll notice that MINI Mini has grown slightly, but as with the original, the oversized detailing helps disguise its size. Mission accomplished here.
It’s also nicer on the inside. Once again, the claim is all-new everything, and the boost in quality shines through. The speedometer is now big enough for those in the rear to read, and also houses most of the audio controls. It’s neater and easy to use, apart from the fan and temperature controls, which must have been designed by someone lying on their side.
There’s some sweet detailing too; the key is now a circular cartridge type, the two-spoke steering wheel is reminiscent of the mid-1970s version found in the original Mini, and you can specify an interior lighting package with a choice of colours, selected with a switch. You can have your own disco at night, as some owners surely will.
Rear seat space has also increased, but still lags behind conventional hatchbacks – the MINI remains a choice for those who want a bias towards fun rather than practicality. The boot space is also increased by 10 litres, which is good but is still less than much of the opposition. This is the price that most buyers are prepared to pay however, and once installed in the driver’s seat, all thoughts of carrying capacity are forgotten.
The regular Cooper gets the new 1.6-litre unit, benefiting from BMW’s Valvetronic system for improved economy. It has an extra 5bhp, taking it up to 120bhp, while the average fuel economy improves significantly to 48.7mpg. In practice, the new unit is more refined, although it will make itself heard when extended. It suits the keen nature of the Cooper perfectly, and while some may wish for the extra poke of the Cooper S, the non-turbocharged unit strikes an excellent balance between economy and performance.
There are significant changes between the wheels too. A new rear suspension system has been introduced to improve ride and handling, and it also shaves 6kg over the old system. The steering is now electrically and variably assisted and all to good effect. While the old car was undeniably fun on a twisty road, at times it was so darty and keen to change direction that it could become a handful. The new Cooper has lost barely any agility, and will happy dive into a sequence of twisty bends, but should any bumps stand between you and a perfectly-clipped corner, the more supple ride will see you through. It remains a delightful car to drive in the right conditions, yet when you just need to get home without too much effort it is happy to oblige.
To own, the MINI Mini may be even better than the old car. The brilliant tlc package continues, there are even more options than before to customise your car and many are keenly priced too. Right now, the market can be divided into those who want a new Mini, and those who don’t. The latter need only take a short test drive to see the error of their ways.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Model: Mini Cooper, £12,995 on the road. Mini from £11,595.
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 120bhp.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission as standard, driving front wheels.
Performance: Maximum speed 126mph, 0-62mph 9.1 seconds.
CO2 emissions: 139g/km.
Economy: 48.7mpg.
Westerly Exeter
www.westerlyexetermini.co.uk
Matford Park Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8FD
01392 822538
