Mini Cooper

A successful, if aesthetically subtle, evolution of the worldwide phenomenon, supporting the notion that it if ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Mini still looks and feels high end, drives superbly and remains attainable.

• Comfort

  The Mini is now far more comfortable, something that will make a huge difference to people who use them for long journeys and over bumpy roads. It really is a class act now.

  

• Performance

  The smaller petrol engines still feel a little gutless in a car that is heavier than its size would lead you to believe, but the presence of a diesel in the line up means you can cruise economically at long last.

  

• Cool

  The Mini has got a bad rep in certain parts of the country where real estate agents use them as advertising hoardings, but in isolation the Mini is too good and too much fun to be anything other than cool.

  

• Quality

  Another area of improvement over the previous generation car, the new New Mini feels substantially more sturdy inside and uses less brittle plastic around the dash and doors.

  

• Handling

  The Mini's real forte hasn't been diluted in this slightly softer new version. Although a fraction less sprightly, the overall set up is even more accomplished, meaning you can push it even harder with relative impunity.

  

• Practicality

  The Mini's Achilles' Heel remains its severe lack of space. There's next to no room in the rear for anything other than a toddler or two and the boot is so small you'll struggle to get even a weekend's worth of luggage in there.

  

• Running costs

  Go with the diesel and the Mini makes sense. Excellent fuel economy, low insurance premiums and an excellent resale value make the diesel-powered Mini Cooper a work of genius.