THE Mini has always held onto a place very close to my heart.
It’s probably because my very first motoring purchase some 40 years ago was a Mini van – and how I loved that beefed up motor with the skimmed head.
It all ended in tears of course when YAW 892 ended up on its side on a country road one dark night, but that wasn’t the end of my relationship with the Mini.
Quite the opposite really as I migrated to a series of company cars over the following 10 years – all Minis.
So a week behind the wheel of the Mini Cooper was a treat I had been waiting for and it’s no surprise to find that things have moved on a little – there are 29 different versions to chose from for instance.
The 118bhp 1.6 litre engine in the Cooper make it a faster proposition than the 94bhp Mini One but is also way behind the 173bhp turbocharged Cooper S which I tested over a year ago.
That’s not to say that the Cooper isn’t as much fun to drive as ever though because quite simply it’s a joy and brings memories of all those years as a Mini driver rushing back.
There’s 0-60mph in 8.9seconds and a top speed of 126mph and this model has impressive torque of 160Nm.
It’s great on those twisty country roads, with superb handling and well weighted steering and is so easy to manoeuvre into tight parking spots around town with excellent vision all round.
Of course there are the usual hang-ups that you expect from such a small car with firm suspension. You feel every bump in the road and following the recent frost damage there are more than a few of those around every corner.
Mini is no longer the cheap option though, in fact with Cooper prices starting at £14,000 it’s the dear option in the super-mini section though it still makes sound financial sense to but one. Few cars hold their value better than Mini.
And don’t believe any claims that this a is a four seater because the back is no place for anyone other than the kids, particularly on a long journey.
The boot is too small, with barely room for a couple of bags and the golf club test didn’t even come into play, even with the split rear seats coming into play.
Inside the cabin really looks the part and much has been said and written about the giant central speedo clock with built in radio – I’m not a fan. I think the speedometer should be directly in front of the driver and found having to look to the centre a distraction.
Just like the One, the Cooper gets air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking and a CD player as standard. Cooper trim does add alloy wheels and sportier trim, though. The Cooper S adds a range of sporty design touches to the bodywork, along with sports seats and a Sport button.
The Mini has a five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating and all models have front, side and cabin-length head airbags. You also get ISOFIX child seat mountings, and importantly, stability control is standard throughout the range. The Mini has most of the security parts that make BMWs one of the most secure vehicles.
Just like the One, the Cooper gets air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking and a CD player as standard. Cooper trim does add alloy wheels and sportier trim, though.