The Mini was used to be known as, well, mini. But since the new MINI came along in 2000 after the original Mini was discontinued in the same year, the car bared little resemblances to the iconic car of the past, no thanks to its blown up proportions.
But that said, there's no denying that the MINI Cooper remains as a modern homage to the British icon. Despite having any enduring arguments about this car or the sudden surge of superminis from competitors, the MINI - now owned by BMW - is probably one of the few cars (other than the Beetle and 911) that's still an icon on the road.
Exterior
Sporting a new platform and a spanking new engine, the MINI retains its old appeal on first glance. Despite its host of visual changes, which include an increase in size (98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than its predecessor), giant chrome surrounds and larger grille up front, it's instantly recognisable as a MINI.
But that said, there's no denying that the MINI Cooper remains as a modern homage to the British icon. Despite having any enduring arguments about this car or the sudden surge of superminis from competitors, the MINI - now owned by BMW - is probably one of the few cars (other than the Beetle and 911) that's still an icon on the road.
Exterior
Sporting a new platform and a spanking new engine, the MINI retains its old appeal on first glance. Despite its host of visual changes, which include an increase in size (98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than its predecessor), giant chrome surrounds and larger grille up front, it's instantly recognisable as a MINI.
You could almost be right to think that like the Porsche 911, the new generation of MINI Cooper gets a styling evolution instead of a drastic makeover. As such, the latest hatchback could look pretty much the same as its predecessor to the uninitiated.
Whatever arguments there may be, there's no short changing the MINI - whether old or new, big or small - in exuding a slurp of sophistication and style, especially in this nice cream colour which does wonders in attracting eyeballs.
Whatever arguments there may be, there's no short changing the MINI - whether old or new, big or small - in exuding a slurp of sophistication and style, especially in this nice cream colour which does wonders in attracting eyeballs.
Interior
On the inside, it's somehow clearer that the MINI has grown up, with a nicer cabin, more space and logical ergonomics.
Electric window switches and door lock toggles are now traditionally and rationally located on the door console instead of the centre stack while the central speedometer has been sensibly shifted behind the steering wheel.
On the inside, it's somehow clearer that the MINI has grown up, with a nicer cabin, more space and logical ergonomics.
Electric window switches and door lock toggles are now traditionally and rationally located on the door console instead of the centre stack while the central speedometer has been sensibly shifted behind the steering wheel.
More impressively, the car that has been known for its mediocre materials feels a lot more secured now, with higher quality materials filling up the cabin. It's as though everything in here is more tightly screwed together, thanks to the absence of rattling.
While all these improvements may indicate that the MINI has lost its bearing as a raw and rough rider, it feels extremely well-engineered for a car that's going for $145,300 (as of 6th June 2014).
While all these improvements may indicate that the MINI has lost its bearing as a raw and rough rider, it feels extremely well-engineered for a car that's going for $145,300 (as of 6th June 2014).
The Drive
Downsizing a notch from the previous 1.6-litre four-pot is the current 1.5-litre three-pot powerplant that's mated to a quick-shifting six-speed autobox.
Capable of pushing out 136bhp and 220Nm of torque to the front wheels, the MINI will easily finish the century sprint in 7.8 seconds - a second faster than the 1.4-litre four-pot Audi A1 - accompanied by a polished sounding exhaust note that belies its three-cylinder engine.
This MINI Cooper here may be the base model, but it certainly doesn't drive like one. It's now much more refined and comfortable than its predecessor. The hatchback does an excellent job in isolating bumps and ruts on the tarmac, with little vibration sent to the cabin.
Over long and winding and smoother stretches of roads are where you can truly enjoy the MINI. Flick it to Sport mode (conveniently located at the base of the gear lever) and the throttle response becomes sharper.
Downsizing a notch from the previous 1.6-litre four-pot is the current 1.5-litre three-pot powerplant that's mated to a quick-shifting six-speed autobox.
Capable of pushing out 136bhp and 220Nm of torque to the front wheels, the MINI will easily finish the century sprint in 7.8 seconds - a second faster than the 1.4-litre four-pot Audi A1 - accompanied by a polished sounding exhaust note that belies its three-cylinder engine.
This MINI Cooper here may be the base model, but it certainly doesn't drive like one. It's now much more refined and comfortable than its predecessor. The hatchback does an excellent job in isolating bumps and ruts on the tarmac, with little vibration sent to the cabin.
Over long and winding and smoother stretches of roads are where you can truly enjoy the MINI. Flick it to Sport mode (conveniently located at the base of the gear lever) and the throttle response becomes sharper.
It's also in this mode when you realise that the car, despite all grown up, hasn't lost its ability to entertain. It's so easy to place the car with unshakable accuracy, thanks to a well-weighted steering wheel that's quick and responsive. Ample grip from the 195/55/R16 tyres contributes to this aspect too.
Conclusion
Personally, there are some things that I'd have wanted in the car, such as more rattling and a stiffer ride because these are MINI's signature traits that make it such a temperamental yet fun car to drive.
But like most cars, the MINI has to evolve and it's no bad thing. It feels more matured and more expensive in more ways than one. There is no doubt that MINI has done well with this car.
Conclusion
Personally, there are some things that I'd have wanted in the car, such as more rattling and a stiffer ride because these are MINI's signature traits that make it such a temperamental yet fun car to drive.
But like most cars, the MINI has to evolve and it's no bad thing. It feels more matured and more expensive in more ways than one. There is no doubt that MINI has done well with this car.
