Baby boomers!

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Feb 16, 2007

The Mini Cooper can be summed up simply ( entertainment and emotion. The Cooper, sportier than the Mini One but less savage than the supercharged Cooper S, has a style that grabs you instantly with those muscular lines and low slung road-hugging shape.

The driver is greeted by a huge silver framed speedo dominating the dash while the rev counter sits on the steering column.

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 the deeply sculpted front seats to be slid right back until they're touching the rear cushion.

Bad news for those in the back, though. Things are really tight there, and while the boot is also miniscule, at least the rear seat splits and folds. As to handling, the Mini hugs the road like a go-kart thanks to a combination of chassis technology and a rigid bodyshell. Turn-in is lightning fast, there's delightful feedback from the steering and the gearshift action is both slick and accurate ( a driving experience par excellence. The Cooper's 1.6 litre all-alloy engine kicks out 115bhp and is fast enough to be fun, while safety measures see dual front and side airbags as standard, ABS, tyre pressure indicator and get-you-home puncture repair kit.

There's also remote central locking, six-speaker sound system, alloy wheels and electric windows.

Expect to pay around pounds 6,900 for a 2002-52 registered model or pounds 8,795 for a 2004-04 car.

Citroen's "enfants terrible" the Saxo VTR and VTS were always going to prove a tough act to follow due to their fun-to-drive nature and value for money.

But the French manufacturer quickly won over fans of the marque by equipping their spiritual successors the C2 VTR and VTS with a more modern style and extra goodies.

The C2 shape doesn't appeal to everyone though, some feeling that the offset back half looks almost like a cut and shut job.

But love it or loathe it, the designers completed a slick job with the VTS, so much so that ( discreetly-placed badge apart ( the 16-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, subtle rear spoiler and chrome tailpipe are all that set it apart visually from the standard C2.

Inside, things are more sporty with the likes of two-tone black bolstered seats, aluminium gearknob and drilled pedals.

The VTS comes into its own on the road. The engine is the same 1.6-litre unit found under the bonnet of stablemate the VTR, but upgraded to produce 125bhp.

And while its power peaks at 6,500rpm there's a decent spread of torque lower down the rev range and short ratio five-speed gearbox.

This car's roadholding is first class, much of it due to a much firmer suspension and stiffer anti-roll bars.

Expect to pay around pounds 7,150 for a 2004-04 C2 VTS or pounds 8,200 for an 05-05 model.

Mini Cooper:

Model: Mini Cooper

Driving: Terrific fun with bags of grip, great feedback from the steering and a slick gearshift.

Performance: Lively ( 0-62 in 9.2 secs and top speed of 125mph.

Economy: Surprisingly good at an average 42 miles per gallon.

Safety: Front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, run-flat tyres, remote central locking.

What's hot: High-tech interior, lively performance, phenomenal handling.

What's not: Space for rear passengers, tiny boot.

Recommended buy: Mini Cooper.

Star rating (out of five): * * * *

Citroen C2 VTS:

Model: Citroen C2 VTS

Driving: Very enjoyable ( roadholding is first class.

Driving: The C2's 125bhp 1.6-litre engine provides fun-packed progress.

Economy: Extremely good, Citroen claiming an average 40.9mpg.

Safety: Four airbags, ABS, electronic stability programme.

What's hot: Performance, handling, equipment, price.

What's not: Rear space, understated styling.

Recommended buy: C2 VTS.

Star rating (out of five): * * *