What a little beauty

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Oct 29, 2004

Byline: By Stewart Smith

In 2002 the hype from BMW about producing "the ultimate driving machine" to replace the original, much-loved Mini was something I had to test for myself.

It was a bold move at the time. If the new MINI didn't come up to scratch, BMW would have a bloody nose.

Everybody loved the original. It was the motorised marvel that summed up the second half of the 20th century.

Well now there's no doubt about the success of the little beauty. In just over two years more than 500,000 MINIs have been built at Cowley and around 75 per cent of them have been for export.

Initial forecasts by the company predicted that the plant would build 100,000 MINIs a year, but worldwide demand has brought the half-million milestone two years early.

The States can't get enough of them. Nearly 80,000 have been shipped over the pond and demand isn't slackening.

I hadn't driven the Cooper version for a long time, and had honestly forgotten just how good it is. It looks great for a start with those muscular lines, low-slung road-hugging shape and wheel at each corner design.

Then there's the interior. Unconventional to say the least. Retro meets modern with a huge silver framed speedo - just like in the original MINI - dominating the dash while the rev counter sits on the steering column, directly in the driver's vision.

The speedometer also houses the fuel level gauge, clock, coolant temperature and tyre pressure warning indicator.

Just the right amount of brushed aluminium appears in the door panels, on the fascia and around the dash, handbrake and gearstick base, while the switches operate toggle-style, like on an aircraft.

Even tall drivers are catered for, as the long runners allow front seats to be slid right back till they're touching the rear cushion. But it's still a squeeze in the back with room only for kids or smaller adults.

There's not much space in the tiny boot either - 150 litres - but this isn't a family car, especially the Cooper version which is most likely to be driven by the same young owner most of the time.

That's what the MINI is all about. It hugs the road like a go-kart thanks to a combination of the excellent chassis technology and a stiff bodyshell.

The driving experience, especially out on country roads is sheer enjoyment with superb steering characteristics, great feedback from the wheel and a five-speed gearshift action which is both slick and accurate. The Cooper's 1.6-litre all-alloy engine kicks out 115bhp which gives it lively performance, quick acceleration and good cruising capabilities.

All models of the MINI have four disc brakes, ventilated at the front for extra stopping power. The system also has an anti-locking feature, electronic brakeforce distribution and cornering brake control.

Basic price of the MINI Cooper is pounds 12,100, but BMW says most buyers opt for extras. My test car had goodies such as 16-in alloys, front sports seats and front fogs which hiked the price to pounds 14,490.

It's a lot of cash but worth it.

Make: MINI Cooper

Price: pounds 12,100

Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.

Max speed: 124mph

0-62mph: 9.1 seconds

Combined mpg: 40.9

Insurance group: 8

CO2 emissions: 166g/km

BiK rating: 19%

Warranty: 3 years unlimited mileage; 6 years anti-rust