Review of the new MINI One Minimalist

MINI means low running costs - at least pokier ones do when compared to other rivals. At entry-level though, it's taken this MINI One Minimalist variant to really bring the brand into play for budget customers.

The original British Mini was one of the iconic cars of the 20th century. When we look back on this 100 years, who's to say that we won't be talking about its BMW-owned successor in the same terms? This is the second generation Ger-MINI, launched in 2005 and subsequently available both as a Clubman estate and a Convertible. It's the most popular 3-door Hatch version though, that we're looking at here - and we've chosen to check it out in frugal 'Minimalist' MINI One form.

The MINI One used to be the cheapest way into MINI ownership but that's now offered by the more affordable MINI First variant. Most owners go for the One though, its 98bhp 1.6-litre petrol motor giving far superior punch to the 75bhp offered by the same unit in the MINI First. What's been missing until now however, have been the kind of frugal fuel returns and low CO2 figures that you'd expect in this day and age from a car this small. The MINI One Minimalist aims to put that right.

The Minimalist package doesn't affect the roadgoing experience, so this is still one of the best handling small cars around, with go-kart-like handling, abundant grip and quick responsive electromechanical power steering that encourages you to flick the car from corner to corner with an even widening grin. Inevitably, that means a ride quality slightly on the firm side but it'll be fine even on long distances provided you don't make the mistake of filling the wheelarches with huge alloy wheels. At the wheel, there's a mature, grown-up feel despite the compact dimensions, thanks to impressive refinement and a quality cabin.

"A tempting package that makes cost effective sense."

All well and good but in feebler-powered models like this one, it used to be pretty hard to enjoy all this joie de vivre thanks to entry-level engines so lacking in torque that you had to drive everywhere foot virtually flat on the throttle. Aware of the problem, BMW refettled the most basic units with Valvetronic variable vale timing late in 2009, creating an all-1.6-litre line-up where the cheapest 75 and 98bhp petrol powerplants developed up to 17% more pulling power than before. The result of all this on the road is that thanks to 153Nm of torque, even this 98bhp MINI One model is a car you can genuinely look forward to driving, despite its apparently leisurely 10.5s 0-62mph time.

The MINI has had its styling refreshed on countless occasions but it always comes out the other end looking like a MINI. Perhaps more than any other car, this one is inextricably linked to a certain look, namely the classic design cues laid down by Alec Issigonis in the late 1950s. BMW has sensibly kept the links to the past very much intact and the latest cars are yet another variation on that theme. The revised bumper design with a lower air-intake and a more sculpted look takes its lead from the MINI Countryman 4x4. It also aids pedestrian protection by increasing the deformation zones at the front of the car. There's side indicator with a concentric circle design mounted on the MINI's trademark side gills and around at the back, LED brake lights now feature. These pulsate at increasing speeds according to how hard the car is braking to warn drivers behind.

Inside, the current model feels of much higher quality than BMW's first generation version. Gone are those indicators that felt like you were snapping a biro every time you used them. The centrally mounted speedometer houses entertainment and, if specified, navigation functions. The slimmed-down centre console offers decent space in the footwells while these days, the old fashioned ignition key has been replaced by a round signal sensor that slots next to the steering wheel. A start/stop button is also fitted as standard while small ergonomic and quality improvements have been made on the latest cars. Look out for the revised steering wheel and altered controls for the ventilation and audio systems.

You'll pay a few hundred pounds more than you would for the standard MINI One model for the privilege of enjoying the better fuel returns and lower CO2 figures boasted by this Minimalist version. But then, if you're a typical MINI buyer, then you probably budgeted to spend a bit extra on your car anyway. MINI's business model hinges on buyers being lured into the showrooms where the brand's vast array of optional extras and desirable upgrades can work their magic. Popular MINI add-ons are the Design Package which adds chrome trim and a sports steering wheel, The Tech Package which yields an upgraded stereo and Bluetooth connectivity and the Salt Package which includes a trip computer, front fog lights and more storage options.

Running costs of course are where the MINI One Minimalist comes into its own. The CO2 return is lowered from 127g/km in the standard version to 119g/km. Combined cycle fuel consumption goes up from 52.3 to 55.4mpg. Running costs are low, particularly if you opt for the attractively priced TLC package that covers all routine servicing costs for five years or 50,000 miles. Residual values remain class-leading. Insurance is group 12 on the 1-50 groupings scale.

Fuel and CO2 returns in pokier MINI models have long been impressive. Only entry-level variants have for some time lagged a little behind rivals. This Minimalist variant goes some way towards putting that right, though it's a pity that its tweaks couldn't simply have been incorporated into the standard version without extra charge. Still, it all makes for a tempting package that makes cost effective sense. Another MINI adventure beckons.