Mini turns on the charm

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Nov 3, 2006

Byline: By Chris Russon

New version of supermini still retains its good looks

A British-built engine is back in Britain's best-loved little car making the new MINI even more of a driver's delight.

On sale as of November 18 ( the day original Mini creator Sir Alec Issigonis would have been 100 ( the latest model may look familiar but is totally re-worked.

Every panel of the second generation BMW MINI is new, as is the interior ( and the engines sing.

They're made at BMW's engine works at Hams Hall in Warwickshire, just up the road from the MINI factory at Cowley in Oxfordshire.

While the original MINI used a Chrysler-derived engine, the new version uses home-grown 1.6-litre technology in the Cooper and Cooper S models.

Not only are they more powerful but they are also some 20% more economical and cleaner in terms of exhaust emissions.

Coupled to electric power assisted steering, a six speed gearbox and a new suspension set up and the result is pin-sharp handling and performance which is even more scintillating than on the original.

The Cooper S, priced from pounds 15,995, makes use of turbocharging and that increases output to 175bhp compared to 120bhp from the normally aspirated engine.

BMW has developed a clever way of eliminating virtually all 'turbo lag' by boosting the cylinders in pairs and power delivery on the Cooper S is smooth, constant and so much fun.

Top speed is a claimed 140mph while it will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 7.1 seconds, averaging a very impressive 40.9mpg and with CO2 emissions of 164g/km.

If the original Cooper S, which used a supercharger rather than a turbo, was renowned for go-kart-like characteristics then this is like driving on rails.

Even without the turbo, the new MINI Cooper is no slouch with a 0 to 60 time of 9.1 seconds, top speed of 126mph and will average 48.7mpg with emissions of 139g/km dropping it into a lower tax bracket.

The new MINI is longer than the previous model but slightly narrower and lower making it look squatter but more purposeful. However you would be hard pressed to tell the difference unless old and new were side by side.

The cheeky, smiling front end is retained as is the additional air scoop on the bonnet of the Cooper S.

In line with its performance image, the Cooper S is also fitted with an electronic sports mode which stiffens the suspension and improves steering response at the touch of a button.

Inside the new MINI has a cleaner cut facia centred on the huge, centrally mounted speedo which now incorporates the entertainment system controls and a digital display panel.

The flick switches ( so much a feature of any Mini ( are also retained and the heater controls are designed to echo the MINI logo.

The new model makes use of a starter button coupled to an electronic key while automatic versions will feature paddle shift changes mounted behind the steering wheel.

Despite its slightly smaller overall dimensions, the cockpit redesign has created more space for occupants and the seat tilt mechanism ( a frustrating operation on the original ( is now simple to use making access to the rear straightforward.

Luggage capacity, now ranging from 160 to 680 litres thanks to the ability to drop the rear seats, is bigger than before and the Cooper S comes with an 11 gallon fuel tank. The options list includes MINI's TLC servicing package which, for a one-off pounds 150 payment, gives you five years or 50,000 miles routine maintenance.