Model tested: Mini Cooper Price as tested: £12,995 Range price: £12995-£15995 Insurance group as tested:8 Insurance group range: 8-16 Tested: January 2007 Road tester: Adrian Higgins
Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 88%
Looking for a car that’s fun-to-drive, good looking and a British icon to boot?
The BMW-owned iconic little car has just had its first facelift since the German manufacturer reinvented it in 2001.
Web editor Adrian Higgins got behind the wheel of the new Mini Cooper.
Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor
1. Looks
Great. The reinvented Mini has been a success story with lengthy waiting lists proof of its desirability. We liked the Cooper model-specific roof spoiler giving this cheeky car a backwards baseball cap-sporting appearance. It simply adds to the overall impression that this is an eager puppy of a car which can’t wait for YOU to get in and drive it. How many cars can you say that about – especially at this price?
9/10
2. Looks inside
Fantastic. Looks even better inside than out. The new Mini interior just says: “Get in and drive me!” The sporty Cooper version is a feast for the eyes. The centrally-located oversized speedometer dominates the dashboard – though there is a digital display housed within the rev counter which you’re likely to end up using more. The robust aircraft-style switches look great while the ambient lighting, the colours of which you can change to suit your mode, are surprisingly pleasant – not the tacky effort they could have been,
10/10
3. Practicality
There’s plenty of space for the driver and passenger – you wouldn’t want to end up in the back for anything but the shortest of journeys. Legroom is very restricted. The boot offers a snug 160 litres of space. However, the rear seats can fold individually, or together to create 680 litres of space. There’re cupholders, a stylish glove compartment and a couple of other nooks and crannies for storage.
7/10
4. Ride and Handling
It’s not just the Mini’s good looks which plant a smile on your face. The handling is superb and great fun with the Mini‘s wide stance gripping the road tenaciously. So the ride’s awful then? Not a bit of it. We completed a 400-mile round trip from London to Devon on all classes of road and were fresh and ready for more on arrival. No compromise.
9/10
5. Performance
The 1.6-litre petrol engine can set a good pace – hitting 62mph from a standstill in 9.1 seconds and using its 120bhp to hit a top speed of 126mph. The involving nature of the drive makes it feel faster. Those looking for more thrills can go for the more expensive Mini Cooper S which hits 62mph after just 7.1 seconds and can power on to 140mph thanks to an additional 55bhp.
8/10
 6. Running Costs
Minis and good economy should go hand in hand and this updated version of the new Mini returns a very respectable average of 48.7 mpg. Tax is a nice round £100 a year. Owners get a three year unlimited mileage warranty with a Roadside Assistance Package for the same duration. And when you come to sell you’ll find, thanks to desirability and waiting lists, the car has held its value better than most.
9/10
7. Reliability
The new generation was launched at the tail-end of 2006 so it’s hard to comment on its reliability. The outgoing model was very reliable and both BMW and Mini have a well-deserved reputation for producing dependable cars.
9/10
8. Safety
The Mini’s six airbags earned it four stars in the EuroNCAP results. Driver aids Electronic Braking Distribution, Anti-Lock Brake System feature on standard models while our Chili Pack boosted spec also included Automatic Stability Control and Traction
8/10
9. Equipment
All models feature alloy wheels, electric mirrors and windows, a CD player and six airbags. Go for the Mini Cooper S and you will benefit from extra sports features, including sports suspension and design features. Air conditioning is extra, as is sat-nav and ambient light pack. Our model featured extras including Automatic Stability Control and Traction (£110) and sports suspension (£130). Excellent value for money.
9/10
10. X-Factor
The Mini performs well in many areas – but the combination of a great looking car which is fun and comfortable to drive is the recipe for the reinvented Mini’s success.
10/10
Rivals
You might also want to consider:
Ford Focus ST
Mitsubishi Colt CZC
Volkswagen Polo GTi
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| .jpg "Looking for a car that’s fun-to-drive, good looking and a British icon to boot? We got behind the wheel of the new Mini Cooper.")
