MINI One Stratford

lucky of me to test driven MINI one and cooper

ONE engine sound is very loud inside when accelerating, very embarrassing if carrying passengers.

Steering wheel is only 2 spoke, not used and feels very weird

ok... for the benefit of all out there... i will give a pretty comprehensive review of this car... brand new on Sgcarmart is 114.8k....

This is the entry level Mini, and is only available in Singapore. And it really is pricey for a basic car that comfortably sits 2 (although it is a 2+2 car), no reverse sensors, no controls on the steering wheel, no rain or headlight auto sensors, and only a CD player that only fits a disc at one go, no full leather seats. Hell it doesnt even have a boot big enough to fit 1 large icebox.

For that price, you can choose from many other cars which will give u the above functions, and maybe some extra even.

BUT, what you are paying for, is summarized by a word, FUN.

The front 2 seats are extremely roomey for the 2 passengers. (im 1.8m tall and i still feel extremely comfy. The seats can be adjusted up or down according to a persons height, and the steering wheel can be adjusted up, down, front or back to suit the driver as well.

The car handles fantastically, taking corners with ease. This is the go-cart experience that everyone speaks of a MINI.

The seats are half leather, half fabric, and really is quite pleasant to the eye.

When you drive the car at night, there are "lounge lights" available in rainbow colors that illuminate the car >damn this function is cool! everyone who has sat in it all like it.

It may not be as powerful as the Cooper or the S, but the power of the car is still very decent... comparable to a jazz if u ask me... if not slightly faster...

The car feels very lively when accelerating, and u can definitely feel faster than u really are due to the build of the car. If u want more power, do an ECU reflash for abt 1k, which adds 12 horses thereabouts.

For the money saved from a Cooper or an S, you can still get most of the features of a MINI, most impt the handling and the chic look... But of course, speed is compromised.

You can also create ur own identity with all the custom stuff that can be added to the car... front spot lights, stickers, mirror caps, flags, badges... u name it

less is MORE i guess

Practicality aside, this car is IT

Well this being the entry level of the Mini doesnt seem for it to be labeled that way. Was Driving a cooper in 04 and have noticed how well the current stratford makes itself stand out from the previous higher marks of the Mini Brand. Ride comfort is excellent, Features aplenty, On board computer is a charm and all in all is an excellent and fun drive. Diffinitely the lifestyle car worth going for. O did i mention that the fuel consumption is extremely good too!