We review the Mini Cooper S (2006) from price to economy and all its features
Fun and fast ... although much has changed this Mini still has the whizzy character
The not-so-mini Mini has grown more than two inches to 12ft 2.25in — thats a whole 1ft 6.25in longer than the original 1959 version.
BMWs latest generation Mini dwarfs the original in every way, from size and performance to price. The new car costs from £11,595 compared with £496 for the original.
In fairness, BMW have done a brilliant job in recreating the cheeky friendly face and cute shape that made the Mini the most distinctive small car in the world, selling more than five million.
The latest version that hits showrooms next month retains the legendary fun factor and awesome handling, just in a more grown-up way.
BMW have unashamedly kept the unmistakeable face and shape of the Mini, adding only minor external changes.
More than 875,000 happy owners mean you dont mess with a motoring legend.
Chief designer Gert Hildebrand says the Mini is similar to the Porsche 911 — a classic design with a timeless shape that needs only subtle changes.
The radiator grille is now a single chrome unit while the large, staring headlights now integrate the indicators.
At the rear there are bolder lights and the car has filled out in the shoulders.
There are defining factors between the Cooper and the Cooper S, which gets a power bulge in the bonnet and a lower grille at the rear that signifies its extra clout. But you need to get inside the Mini to see the biggest changes, even though it remains instantly recognisable.
As with the rest of the car, everything is a little bigger, with more legroom front and back, plus more comfortable seats that also slide forward more easily for better access to the rear.
The focal point remains the XL-sized speedo in the middle of the dash. That is now even bigger so it houses the radio/CD system and the optional satnav. The rev counter remains directly in front of the steering wheel.
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BMW have kept the retro toggle instrument switches and even added one in the roof.
The interior trim quality has moved up several notches in reaction to criticism and I like the colour co-ordinated leather seats, door and dash trim.
You also get the option of natural wood, hand-sewn leather or chrome to individualise your Mini interior.
The heart of the car remains its incredible handling but even this has been improved so it is still sharper and composed on any surface. A new 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, with an even deeper and sexier sound, has upped the performance, yet at the same time improved economy to 48.7mpg in the Cooper and 40.9mpg in the Cooper S.
The performance figures of 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds for the Cooper and 7.1 seconds for the Cooper S may not seem particularly quick but when linked to the Minis hugely entertaining handling they make the car irresistible.
As a package, the new Mini is a significant step forward for one of motorings living legends, especially as BMW have resisted the temptation to hike the price substantially.
The new Mini One and Cooper go up £600 to £11,595 and £12,995, while the Cooper S increases by £475 to £15,995.
But considering the improvements, the Mini remains great value and still the most special small car in the world.
What to look out for when buying a used Mini Hatchback
Despite its premium status, the Mini can suffer from a variety of ailments, such as weak starter motors, failed speakers, cracked windscreens and paintwork that is chipped all too easily.
Listen for rattles from the engine bay that signify the dual-mass flywheel is about to fall apart; if the electrics conk out, it’s probably nothing more than the battery’s earthing strap failing.
There have been three recalls for the Mini, because of the spectre of the rear anti-roll bar coming adrift, overheating brakes and an electrical short circuit. In each case only certain Mini derivatives were affected.