Go on a mini adventure

Mini is prolonging the current-generation Hatch with a further facelift, but can it remain competitive? Ted Welford finds out

WHAT IS IT?

It’s such a cliché, but the Mini Hatch really is a car that needs little introduction. It’s possibly the most recognisable new car on the roads today, with its small dimensions (even if fans of the original might criticise it for not being so ‘mini’), big round headlights, and wraparound plastic trim making it stand out immediately.

The ‘new’ Mini has now been around for 20 years, and in that time well over 10 million have been produced at BMW Group’s factory in Oxford. But given the current-generation Hatch has been around since 2014, you might expect it’s about time for an all-new version. Alas, no. Instead, Mini is back for a second facelift instead, but is that enough to remain competitive against much newer rivals?

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

If you know anything about Minis, you’re probably familiar with the engine structure, which remains identical to the previous car – One, Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models are available, which range in power from 101bhp to 228bhp.

Our test car is the Cooper S hot hatch, which uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit that kicks out 176bhp and 280Nm of torque. Joined to a six-speed manual gearbox (an automatic is also available), it can go from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds and head on to a top speed of 146mph. Yet, for a sporty model, running costs should prove fairly affordable, with Mini claiming more than 40mpg, and CO2 emissions of 140g/km. FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Mini Hatch Base price: £16,800 Model as tested: Mini Hatch Cooper S Sport Price as tested: £29,910 Engine: 2.0-litre petrol Power: 176bhp Torque: 280Nm Max speed: 146mph 0-60mph: 6.5 seconds MPG: 43.5-45.6mpg Emissions: 140-148g/km

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Mini has always prided itself on its ‘go-kart feeling’ behind the wheel, and though this is great marketing, it really lives up to that when you jump in the driver’s seat. In a world of bulbous oversized cars, the Hatch’s dinky dimensions and agility make it a true bundle of joy to drive, feeling sharp, responsible and nimble in all surroundings. Though the Cooper S might not be the quickest version available, it delivers all the power you’d ever really need – sounding especially fruity higher up the rev range. Combined with a sweet manual gearbox, it’s nothing short of a delight.

There’s also a new adaptive suspension system available – fitted as standard to our ‘Sport’ trim car – that can adjust the dampers in as little as 50 milliseconds to try and soften the ride. That said, on our test car’s 18-inch alloys, the ride remained pretty firm, though never uncomfortable.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Gone are the days when that large round display in the centre of the Mini’s dashboard was a speedo, as today you’ll find a large 8.8-inch touchscreen wrapped inside it instead. This system also gets a new interface that aims to act more like a smartphone, and it’s really rather good. As well as ‘touch’, there’s still a rotary dial just behind the gear knob, which is the easier option to use the screen on the move.

Interior quality remains as great as ever, with a premium feel throughout and perfect ergonomics. But there is a shortfall – and that’s space. Its boot is tiny next to rivals’, and in three-door guise, there’s hardly any room in the back at all. That said, a five-door version is available if you want something marginally more practical.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

As with its predecessor, there are three trims to choose – Classic, Sport and Exclusive. The Classic looks a bit lacking with its 15-inch alloys, though comes well-equipped with full LED lighting, air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, that large touchscreen system and a new digital dial system – as already seen on the Mini Electric.

Sport unsurprisingly brings racier looks thanks to a John Cooper Works styling kit, 17-inch alloy wheels and part Alcantara sports seats. Cruise control and rear parking sensors are also included. At the top of the range, the Exclusive aims to bring a bit of glamour with its striking 18-inch alloy wheels, silver detailing and full leather interior.

As for pricing, models kick off from £16,800 for the One, but you’ll need £21,500 for the Sport and Exclusive. Like before, the Mini sits at the pricier end of the supermini sector, but justifies it quite easily with its focus on quality and sportiness. Just don’t be too blasé about choosing options, as you can quite easily have a £30,000 Mini, as was the case with our test car.

VERDICT

It’s a testament to just how good the Mini is that, even at seven years old, it remains as competitive as ever, with a brilliant driving experience and upmarket interior. The more aggressive new design might not appeal to all, but it’s not so divisive that it’s likely to put off the brand’s loyal buyers, while a muchimproved touchscreen and more in the way of standard kit aids the Hatch’s appeal further.

Like before, its main weaknesses are spaciousness and price, but if you rarely carry rear passengers and aren’t too extravagant with option box ticking, the Mini remains one of the most likeable small cars you can buy today.

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