Alternative review of MINI

Let's face it, I don't have a large family to cart about daily. Only a large husband who uses me as a taxi service. So something MINI-sized would suit me nicely. So when I heard all the hype about the second generation version, I determined to try one. When the car arrived at the office, I at first thought they'd sent the old one: it really didn't look that much different. Still, the press pack assured me that it was and starting up revealed a very different engine note from that I'd been used to before.

If you remember the original British Leyland Mini, it was an engineering breakthrough, a marvel if you will. In its own way, the BMW-engineered MINI that launched here at the turn of the century also set new standards, becoming a small car that executives brought in their droves as a second car runabout. Here was something that really did have big car quality and small car cheek. Now that I've tried one of the new generation cars, I can identify it from its predecessor - but I'll excuse you if you can't. Although the stance remains the same, there's been a loosening of the belt. The Cooper model I tried, for instance, is 60mm longer. The front grille is tidier and the indicators are now housed in the headlight pod. The car's shoulder line is 18mm higher than on the former model, giving the latest version a more hunched, powerful appearance. Stepping inside, I didn't need the brochure to identify the differences. Gone, for example, are those indicators that felt like you were snapping a biro every time you used them. The centrally mounted speedometer now houses entertainment and, if specified, navigation functions. The slimmed-down centre console offers more space in the footwells while the key has been replaced by a round signal sensor that slots next to the steering wheel. A start/stop button is also fitted - something I struggle to see the point of. What was wrong with a key? As before, the rear accommodation is minimal - you'd never ever get an adult back there unless you chopped them up very small. Even kids would find it hard work to clamber in and out. But you wouldn't really be buying this car if you regularly travelled more than 2-up anyway. This is slightly better in the Clubman estate version. And boot space? Well, don't expect very much, even from the Clubman. Still, while you might not be able to fit a bedroom suite in there, you can at least get a few travelling bags, briefcases and pints of milk to squeeze in. Owners for the British original Mini would thank you very kindly for this amount of travelling space.

It's all changed under the bonnet with a completely new Peugeot-sourced range of engines that alleviate the need for BMW to keep buying the previous car's ancient old Isuzu-developed units from South America. The entry-level MINI First and One models offer a 1.4-litre petrol or there's a Cooper D with diesel power but the Cooper I checked out comes with a 120bhp 1.6-litre unit, the same as that offered by the range-topping Cooper S, although in that case, you also get a turbocharger to boost things up to 175bhp. I'd be quite happy with a Cooper, I have to say, given that it makes it from rest to 60mph in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 126mph. It's not too bad at the pumps either, returning a combined cycle figure of 48.7mpg (previously 40.9). As with any fuel economy figure, the real world results are usually around fifteen to twenty per cent less. Electromechanical power-assisted steering (EPAS) debuts on this version of the MINI and aims to reduce parking effort (a factor which turned off a proportion of mainly female potential customers) but still retain pinpoint accuracy at speed. Although keen drivers will at first lament the loss of the old system, the latest setup at least features a Sport setting that increases the steering's heft and gives the throttle a more aggressive map. Also fitted as standard on Cooper models are run flat tyres. These have a range of at least 90 miles in the event of a puncture and also mean that valuable space in the car isn't taken up with packaging a spare wheel. The driving experience is a pleasant one, with the steering rack relatively direct, transmitting road feel to the driver. Visibility is good and all of the controls are logically placed and easy to get at - even in the pitch black (undeniably the worst time to take your first drive in an unfamiliar car). Comfortable seats will ensure that even longer journeys are a pleasure and plenty of height adjustment allows even lanky husbands to fold themselves in well enough.

I think I could live with a MINI Cooper. So it wasn't named after a fez-adorned hero of British comedy, but it does raise a smile none the less. And that, on a wintry Monday morning, is always a good thing.