Small changes keep premium hatch fresh
After 20 years the Mini still has a winning blend of fun and quality, writes Matt Allan
It’s hard to believe it’s 20 years since the first modern Mini was launched.
While we’ve had changes and additions to the line-up, the Mini’s identity has always been clear and, seeing the new car next to the original R50, it’s striking how much the design has evolved while retaining the Mini’s instantly recognisable looks.
This latest facelift harks back to the first generation with a cleaner, less fussy front end but it’s not subtle. The grille has expanded and finished in gloss black it createsaslack-jawedappearance. Standard cars get a body-coloured strip running through that grille but some trims, like our Cooper S, delete it.
Additional changes include new headlights finished in gloss black and ringed by a bandthatactsasDRLandindicator. Other cosmetic changes includefivenewwheeldesigns, three new colours and an optional multitone roof.
Interior changes similarly modernise while maintaining a link to those first cars. The chrome elements have been reduced in favour of gloss black and touches such as the air vents have been better integrated to give the dashboard a smoother finish.
The dashboard still echoes the Mini badge but, like the grille, the central display is now almost a parody of the original. It dominates the dash and making matters worse is that the 8.8-inch rectangular screen looks lost sitting at the centre of the giant circle.
While the central pod is over the top, the rest of the cabin is still comfortable, highquality and well thought out. Bearinmindhowever,thatthis is still a Mini so even this larger five-door is tight on space.
While the latest update has brought visual changes, as well as spec and tech improvements, the Mini’s engine lineup remains the same.
Entry-level One and Cooper models get a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol with 101bhp or 134bhp. Above them the Cooper S gets a turbo 2.0-litre putting out 176bhp while the JCW gets a 228bhp tune of the same four-cylinder.
On the road the Cooper S is lively and willing. Nought to 62mph takes 6.8 seconds and thanks to 207lb ft the Cooper S feels strong and responsive. From the cartoonishly thick steering wheel, you’ll experience the Mini’s trademark gohanced kart handling. There are still few mainstream cars that have the directness and chuckability of the Cooper S, a feeling enby a new mechanical adaptive suspension system.
While it lacks the ultimate engagement of the Ford Fiesta ST the Mini is still great fun to drive and is more spacious, more premium feeling and has more kerb appeal.
That’s enhanced in Sport trim models which come with a John Cooper Works pack - all theJCWcosmeticswithoutthe performance.
Prices for the three-door Mini One start at £16,605 and the five-door is £700 more. Our test car’s on the road price of £33,000 is a cautionary tale for anyone exploring the options list.
There’s no doubt that over the last 20 years the Mini has got bigger and more expensive. But from the way it looks to the joyous way it drives its key selling points are still front and centre.