Magic MINI

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Jan 19, 2007

Byline: By John Connor

Bmw launched its second generation MINI on November 18, 2006 ( the day the original designer, Sir Alec Issigoni, would have been 100 years old.

The significance of this day was not lost on BMW, who said that the first five and a half years of its own MINI production has been an unforgettable automotive drama with orders for this iconic vehicle all set to break build records for the Oxford plant.

But what would Sir Alec think of this latest incarnation of his world-famous model? I worked at Longbridge during his tenure in the design office, and I feel he would have enjoyed the technical development. He would have appreciated the fact that the current design team has remained faithful to his original ideals.

I also think he would have been delighted with the undoubted success of the MINI. The soaring worldwide sales alone are a vindication that he was "spot on" in his efforts to build a car that would transcend all classes and all borders.

MINI today, although under the BMW banner, is still an iconic vehicle cherished by millions and a legend in its own lifetime.

So what is new about the 2007 line up? You really need to stand the outgoing model alongside the newcomer to spot the differences to the front and rear.

The designers, however, are keen to point out that every external panel is different, and that every interior panel has been tweaked. The major changes are beneath the skin. The new engines, built at Hams Hall in Warwickshire, have more power, the suspension set-up is different and the steering and braking systems have been overhauled. Interior comfort is bespoke, and big car options are offered which make this new model feel more Midi than mini, if you get my drift.

My first car was a 1098cc Mini, and I enjoyed its road-hugging capabilities. While I may have only been doing 50mph on the M1 because of its diminutive size it felt faster, but the underlying feeling was one of safety and "stickability". This latest generation is light years ahead as far as power and suspension goes.

The new Cooper S has a redline speed of 140mph, the normal Cooper 126mph, but both continue to hug the road extremely tightly. There is nothing better.

I tried both models around some twisty mountain roads and within a few miles I felt at home. Driving a MINI for a former owner is like riding a bicycle: you never forget how to drive safely to its limits.

Use the gears a lot and correctly, feather the accelerator and the braking, and you will be exhilarated by the car's characteristics mile after mile.

On top of that it is now one of the most comfortable, and is certainly one of the trendiest, cars of it ilk.

When is comes to performance the Cooper returns 61.4mpg on the extra urban cycle and the more powerful Cooper S 49.9mpg.

The Cooper costs pounds 12,995 on the road, the S pounds 15,995. But the Cooper S test car with optional extras fitted had a price tag in excess of pounds 20,000.