Mini Mini
Ratings
5 stars
Summary
Underneath the very familiar looks the Mini is a better car in almost every regard.
Review
Despite very familiar looks the second-generation of BMW's Mini is pretty much an all-new car. Big changes have taken place under the familiar-looking surface, including the arrival of an all-new engine line-up. And the good news is that it really is even better to drive than the outgoing version.
We'll forgive you if you feel disappointed by the very same-ish design, though. BMW has stuck with the previous generation's winning looks despite changing every body panel slightly.
Move into the cabin and praise becomes pretty much unambiguous. Almost all of the irritations of the previous car have been answered in the new one. The seats are more comfortable, the driving position is better and the footwell is far more spacious. Neat details include the (optional) ability to turn the cabin's ambient lighting from orange to blue. As before the rear seats are very small and boot capacity is tiny, though - the Mini is better thought of as a small coupe than a supermini.
On the road it's better than before - faster, smoother and more refined. Grip levels are massively high, and yet the Mini behaves with exemplary good manners when the limits approach. Some may mourn the passing of the rough edges that gave the previous generation so much of its credit, but overall the new Mini is a far better car.
It's all change under the bonnet too, with the arrival of three new engines. The basic Mini One uses a 1.4 litre motor which promises diesel-rivalling fuel economy, the Cooper has a normally aspirated 1.6 litre motor that uses BMW's innovative "Valvetronic" control system and the range-topping Cooper S now boasts a turbocharged 1.6 litre unit that combines serious performance with very impressive economy.
A diesel version, fitted with one of Peugeot-Citroen's excellent "HDI" engines, will be on sale in 2007.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Too similar to the car it replaces - the new Mini's styling feels like a bit of a cop-out to us. And we reckon it might be looking stale in a couple of years, too.
Handling
5 star
Probably not the fastest hot hatch in terms of overall speed - but the fluent, adjustable chassis means it's definitely one of the most fun. Impossible to drive down a winding road without a grin on your face.
Comfort
4 star
The firm ride is likely to create rough progress over some of Britain's pockmarked roads, but the driving position is vastly improved over that of the old car.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Well constructed and well designed - although some of the cabin plastics feel a bit cheap considering the serious pricetags attached to range-toppers.
Performance
4 star
The One will need to be worked hard to create rapid progress, but the Cooper is fast and the Cooper S's turbocharged engine gives it a serious turn of speed.
Roominess
3 star
Comfortable for two front-seat occupants, but the rear seat isn't really up to use by anybody larger than small kids. The boot is small compared to more conventional superminis, too.
Running Costs
4 star
Excellent fuel economy and strong residuals mean the Mini should be impressively easy on the wallet.
Value for money
4 star
Slight price rises are offset by an increase in standard equipment, although you're still going to need to pay a premium for the Mini over more mainstream superminis.
