Mini's better built and hefty power

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), Dec 28, 2007

Byline: ROBERTSHAW Motors Editor

NOSTALGIA is big business and the UK continues to demonstrate its penchant for living in the past.

Throughout Britain there are shops and web sites stacked with items from yesteryear guaranteed to provide memories of a bygone age to an ever-burgeoning audience.

But, while old records, newspapers and a host of memory-jerkers are available throughout the land, it is also most pleasing on occasions to be able to enjoy some quality time in the company of a vehicle which bears the name of an icon of days of yore.

Back in the magical era of the Swinging Sixties, Alec Issigonis's classic Morris and Austin Minis were not only driving machines but also fashion statements designed not only to grace the new motorway system but also to help owners become dedicated followers of fashion in the exciting new world which was fast emerging.

While those days are gone, the Mini most certainly isn't and, after new owners BMW set the summer of 2001 alight with the emergence of the all-new Mini.

In the five years which followed, more than 800,000 were sold worldwide in more than 70 markets.

Meanwhile, Mini popularity in the UK continues with a record 45,000 models sold in 2005, before the following year witnessed the roll-out of the second generation BMW Mini from the German car maker's manufacturing base at Oxford.

The one-millionth new Mini rolled off the Oxford production line in April this year and this second generation family now boasts a line-up of Mini One, Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper D, each driven respectively by a 1.4-litre 95bhp engine, a new 1.6-litre developing 120bhp and a 1.6 turbo pumping out 175bhp.

There is also the quite amazing 1.6-litre 110bhp turbodiesel which promises 60-plus mpg on average.

There are also Convertible models available while theMini range has recently been expanded with the Clubman Estate.

While the style is still very familiar, the second generation Mini comes with all-newbody panels which not only provide the car with even more substance, but also help to create a much more solidly put together look and feel.

In similar fashion, the inside story finds all interior panels and surfaces having been replaced, resulting in a much more quality feel.

Despite another couple of inches being added to the length of the new Mini, it is still a three-door hatchback which some occupants will find a tight fit, particularly those sitting in the back where legroom is not particularly generous. The boot is slightly bigger but it's still on the small side at 160 litres - perhaps more for weekenders than long-term holidaymakers.

Although perhaps more city car than supermini in terms of interior space, the new Mini drives just as good as before.

TheMini Cooper which, courtesy of a punchy new 1.6-litre petrol engine, responds quickly to the demands of the throttle. Power over the outgoing model has been increased by some five bhp and the 0-62mph is now attainable in 9.1 seconds.

There is also a 16% improvement in petrol consumption to 52.3mpg and with a very low emissions rating, the cost of ownership gets a further boost.

Paired with a smooth-slotting six-speed manual gear change, the new Mini also delivers some pretty hefty mid-range power which combines with the new suspension set-up and electro-mechanical power steering to provide plenty of fun.

The handling remains hugely enjoyable from the wheel-at-each-corner go-kart set-up.

Although kit levels are reasonable, including the likes of electric front windows, electric door mirrors and six-speaker sound system at entry level, surprisingly, air con is still a cost extra.

However, driver safety aids include as standard ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Brake Assistant, although Driver Stability Control (DSC) with Hill Start-Off Assistance only comes as standard with the Cooper S.

Overall, this second reincarnation of the BMW Mini is a much better built creation than its predecessor.Amuchmore effective handler, it also delivers a more stable and comfortable ride, making it much more mature and accomplished.

FAST FACTS

MINI COOPER 3dr

Price: pounds 13,025

Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 126mph

0-62mph: 9.1 secs

Combined mpg: 52.3

Insurance group: 8

CO2 emissions: 129g/km

BiK rating: 18%

Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 6yrs anti-rust

CAPTION(S):

BIGGER: The second generation Mini from German manufacturer BMW is built at its manufacturing base in Oxford