Despite any enduring arguments we may have about this icon of the sixties, the MINI - now owned by BMW - it's probably best to console ourselves with the fact that it's still an icon on the road.
In fact, it'll take something way better than the feisty three-door to take that 'iconic' image away from the Greek-British designer of cars, now remembered chiefly for the groundbreaking and influential development of the MINI - Sir Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis.
Competitors such as Kia and Citroen have come relatively close to the MINI with the Soul and the DS3. Honestly, they don't look too shabby when parked beside the icon. But somehow, with its powerful and influential marketing efforts, MINI has positioned itself as the true icon in the minds of the public.
And I must admit - I can't help but to feel the same way.
Exterior
The size is definitely smaller than what you would expect, with some proportions that look as if the designers have decided to supersize their sketches.
The waistline of the car is high and the roofline is low, creating a hot-rod style cut and shut effect in profile. Whilst elements of the original are preserved, the effect is more influential rather than a slavish modern resurrection of Sir Alec Issigonis brainchild.
In fact, it'll take something way better than the feisty three-door to take that 'iconic' image away from the Greek-British designer of cars, now remembered chiefly for the groundbreaking and influential development of the MINI - Sir Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis.
Competitors such as Kia and Citroen have come relatively close to the MINI with the Soul and the DS3. Honestly, they don't look too shabby when parked beside the icon. But somehow, with its powerful and influential marketing efforts, MINI has positioned itself as the true icon in the minds of the public.
And I must admit - I can't help but to feel the same way.
Exterior
The size is definitely smaller than what you would expect, with some proportions that look as if the designers have decided to supersize their sketches.
The waistline of the car is high and the roofline is low, creating a hot-rod style cut and shut effect in profile. Whilst elements of the original are preserved, the effect is more influential rather than a slavish modern resurrection of Sir Alec Issigonis brainchild.
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The first thing that strikes you is its classy yet intelligent fascia. A wide grille sits in the centre of the front while clear round chromed headlamps rims appear to lean back by the usual side positions. Fog lamps are also visible on the front bumper to assist in the car's purposeful stance.
Although there aren't much curvy lines by the sides of the MINI One, the design and colour of the test drive certainly exudes a sense of style. It isn't enough to take your breath away, but it's sufficient for one to take a second glance.
Round the back, the rubbing strip that runs across the rear is split in the middle to accommodate the rear fog lamp. The chromed linings around the pair of almost triangular rear lamps serve as a protection and also give it a mouthful of sophistication. It may seem a little bulky from the back but don't let its size fool you.
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Interior
Like the original, the interior of the MINI One is still somewhat cramped. However, retro themes abound, which is exactly what makes the MINI outstanding. The centrally mounted speedometer, and door handles all act as visual throwbacks to the sixties.
But despite its unashamedly interior retro appeal, which is visually enticing, the MINI One has some reassuringly modern foundations. The car has a stereo with the usual six-presets, air conditioner with climate control feature and electronic windows, all of which are controlled via the centre console.
The One's controls and dials are straightforward and easy to use and the instrumentation is attractively laid out. The available Aux-In option for your favourite tunes and CD player also make the drive more enjoyable.
But as we were shooting both cars, we did realise something hilarious. The laughable boot of the original MINI has thankfully been replaced by a more practical hatchback arrangement. Problems finding sufficient space in the car after your weekly grocery shopping will now be a thing of a past.
Nonetheless, one of the most intriguing interior aspects that came with the test car, albeit frivolous, was the lights which featured custom ambient illumination.
Like the original, the interior of the MINI One is still somewhat cramped. However, retro themes abound, which is exactly what makes the MINI outstanding. The centrally mounted speedometer, and door handles all act as visual throwbacks to the sixties.
But despite its unashamedly interior retro appeal, which is visually enticing, the MINI One has some reassuringly modern foundations. The car has a stereo with the usual six-presets, air conditioner with climate control feature and electronic windows, all of which are controlled via the centre console.
The One's controls and dials are straightforward and easy to use and the instrumentation is attractively laid out. The available Aux-In option for your favourite tunes and CD player also make the drive more enjoyable.
But as we were shooting both cars, we did realise something hilarious. The laughable boot of the original MINI has thankfully been replaced by a more practical hatchback arrangement. Problems finding sufficient space in the car after your weekly grocery shopping will now be a thing of a past.
Nonetheless, one of the most intriguing interior aspects that came with the test car, albeit frivolous, was the lights which featured custom ambient illumination.
A panel of toggle switches in the roof lining allows the driver to switch the colours of the lights in the door storage pockets and the grab handle recesses. These can be changed at any time in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue, depending on personal taste - a feature that you might eventually forget but it's undeniably funky.
In terms of space and comfort, I fit neatly in the cabin, thanks to a height-adjustable seat and steering wheel. The panoramic windscreen also allows for clear vision all round when driving.
I'm surprised how comfortable and supportive the driver's bench was, and being relatively impressed with its amiable interior, I wasn't tired of flicking the toggle switches on the centre console.
However, no car is perfect and neither is the MINI One.
The One is a four-seater in the most modest sense of the word. Although headroom is ample, legroom for rear passengers can prove to be poor, making long journeys a little uncomfortable for them.
MINI has unquestionably made the cockpit roomy for front seat passengers but it's arguably possible that carrying four people, at times, is inevitable.
In terms of space and comfort, I fit neatly in the cabin, thanks to a height-adjustable seat and steering wheel. The panoramic windscreen also allows for clear vision all round when driving.
I'm surprised how comfortable and supportive the driver's bench was, and being relatively impressed with its amiable interior, I wasn't tired of flicking the toggle switches on the centre console.
However, no car is perfect and neither is the MINI One.
The One is a four-seater in the most modest sense of the word. Although headroom is ample, legroom for rear passengers can prove to be poor, making long journeys a little uncomfortable for them.
MINI has unquestionably made the cockpit roomy for front seat passengers but it's arguably possible that carrying four people, at times, is inevitable.
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Drivetrain
Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the 1.6-litre powerplant does not seem destined for great things on paper. Reality proves the contrary. The MINI One feels nippier than its 0-100 km/h timing suggests and it has a lot more torque than you would expect.
Even as a basic model, it has a smooth and willing attitude. Proving the absence of hardship behind the wheels.
It is great fun on twisty roads, thanks to its go-kart handling and well-weighted steering, which makes manoeuvring through traffic and crowded parking lots easy. Although the suspension is comfort-biased, it's never choppy or uncomfortable as it resists cornering forces well.
The MINI One holds up well against lateral forces when driven enthusiastically, causing little or no body roll. Its forte as a fun and enthusiastic carrier was never in question when behind the wheel and despite the engine being a tad noisy, vibration and harshness levels remained low at high speeds.
It, thus, gets high marks for ride comfort and chassis composure.
Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the 1.6-litre powerplant does not seem destined for great things on paper. Reality proves the contrary. The MINI One feels nippier than its 0-100 km/h timing suggests and it has a lot more torque than you would expect.
Even as a basic model, it has a smooth and willing attitude. Proving the absence of hardship behind the wheels.
It is great fun on twisty roads, thanks to its go-kart handling and well-weighted steering, which makes manoeuvring through traffic and crowded parking lots easy. Although the suspension is comfort-biased, it's never choppy or uncomfortable as it resists cornering forces well.
The MINI One holds up well against lateral forces when driven enthusiastically, causing little or no body roll. Its forte as a fun and enthusiastic carrier was never in question when behind the wheel and despite the engine being a tad noisy, vibration and harshness levels remained low at high speeds.
It, thus, gets high marks for ride comfort and chassis composure.
Conclusion
Having it for a mere day seems a tad too short for me. But it was definitely long enough to realise that the MINI One is unmistakeably as enviable today as it's always been.
Classic MINI design, efficient performance and fun with a capital 'F' sums up this car. Apart from its good looks, the MINI One also has a good ride and brilliant handling.
At the price of $101,800 (as of 18 Aug 2010), you may not be getting a spacious, fast or powerful set of wheels but it does provide a fun and entertaining ride. And it could just be enough for our busy and stressful roads.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Having it for a mere day seems a tad too short for me. But it was definitely long enough to realise that the MINI One is unmistakeably as enviable today as it's always been.
Classic MINI design, efficient performance and fun with a capital 'F' sums up this car. Apart from its good looks, the MINI One also has a good ride and brilliant handling.
At the price of $101,800 (as of 18 Aug 2010), you may not be getting a spacious, fast or powerful set of wheels but it does provide a fun and entertaining ride. And it could just be enough for our busy and stressful roads.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
