Review of the new MINI Cooper

If you're buying a MINI, the chances are these days that you're buying a Cooper version. This, after all, is the sporty trim the majority of buyers prefer. So there'll be pleased to find that the latest version has a slightly sportier engine too.

That's in the petrol form we're looking at here - though a 110bhp diesel version is also on offer. For petrol buyers, a 3bhp power hike to 122bhp and peak torque of 160Nm at 4,250 rpm help the Hatch version to 62mph in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 127mph. Sharing all the new engine features of the hothatch Cooper S except the turbocharger, the Cooper achieves 52.3 mpg (combined cycle) - as good as the 95bhp MINI One model - and emits only 127g/km of CO2.

Where the latest car scores is in terms of all round driveability and in-gear flexibility. The modern four-cylinder 1.6-litre powerplant features fully variable valve control based on the BMW's proprietary Valvetronic system. This valve management system adjusts intake valve lift and opening times within fractions of a second to meet the power and performance requirements of the driver.

The big advantage is that it replaces the conventional throttle butterfly on 'normal' engines to translate any movement of the throttle pedal directly into engine speed with virtually no delay. In addition to variable control of valve lift on the intake, valve timing is also controlled on the outlet stroke. This enhances the torque curve to deliver not only decent torque at low engine speeds, but also power at high engine revs. For those who prefer an even sportier drive, you can also opt for the 211bhp MINI JCW Cooper S, the fastest MINI Cooper around.

"Progress can be a double-edged sword. Just not in this case"

The Cooper comes as a three-door hatch, a Clubman estate or even a pretty Convertible. Of these, the Clubman is probably the most interesting. It's a five-door car but the doors aren't exactly where you'd expect them to be. It's business as usual at the front but access to the rear seating is through a single door on the right-hand side. Hinged on its rearmost edge so that it opens in the opposite direction to the front doors, it's positioned on the right-hand side of the Clubman and there's no equivalent on the left. At the back, there's more access fun and games. The Clubman employs a pair of side-hinged doors reminiscent of the old Mini Traveller. These are a key design feature of the car and the one that does most to differentiate Clubman from MINI. They feature cut-outs for the rear light clusters that mirror those in the bonnet. Separate wipers and the doors are also framed in the same colour as the roof trim.

All Cooper models continue to be built at what is now known as Plant Oxford (Cowley to us old timers), this factory's output now at over 240,000 cars per year, more than double what it was when the first MINIs rolled off its lines in 2001. The body panels and sub assemblies hail from Plant Swindon and the BMW-designed engines roll out of the Hams Hall plant in the Midlands. Despite the German bankrolling, this MINI wears its Union Flags with pride.

Slip inside any of the MINI bodystyles and one of the most intriguing, albeit frivolous, aspects of the interior is the optional lights package which features custom ambient illumination. A panel of toggle switches in the roof lining allows the driver to switch the colours of the lights in said roof lining, 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 - quite mad, but undeniably funky. Rear seat space, a big grumble amongst MINI customers, has been improved with recessed knee cut-outs in the fabric-trimmed front seat backs.

Electromechanical power-assisted steering (EPAS) debuted 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 tyres 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. Pricing remains competitive and buyers will often specify their cars to their own tastes and spend a good deal more, indulging themselves with options like the Colour Line trim packs or DSC+ stability control.

Progress can be a double-edged sword. Just not in this case.