Review of the new MINI Range

The MINI formula isn't one that owners BMW are keen to mess with - but that doesn't mean that they haven't continually been trying to improve it. The latest models benefit from design tweaks inside and out plus a revitalised diesel engine range.

There's now sharper looks, greener emissions and lower fuel consumption but the basic Ger-MINI package remains unaltered, which will doubtless please fans of the breed. The second generation version of this car was introduced in 2006, more spacious and easier to drive than its predecessor, with more up-to-date engines and a more customisable interior.

By late 2009 though, the formula was beginning to date alongside newer rivals and brand owners BMW took steps to improve both performance and emissions. Now that they've developed this still further with a pair of frugal new diesel engines and some smart styling tweaks, the MINI really should be rejuvenated for life in the new decade.

On the road, across all derivatives, the MINI delivers a taut, direct driving experience with abundant grip. Electromechanical power-assisted steering (EPAS) aims to reduce parking effort but still retain pinpoint accuracy at speed. Not every keen driver will like it but at least on sportier models, there's a Sport setting that increases the steering's heft and gives the throttle a more aggressive map.

".this British-built design still remains a benchmark in the premium small car segment, easy to imitate but difficult to beat"

All modern MINIs now have 1.6-litre power, be it petrol or diesel. Customers of the basic 3-door First model have 75bhp to play with, that and 141Nm or torque. Take a step up to the MINI One models, however, and there's a 98bhp version of the same 1.6-litre powerplant. Here again, torque is increased to 153Nm promoting easier, cleaner performance. The other MINI One has a D after its name. This diesel model has 90bhp but, as you'd expect from an oil-burner, a generous 215Nm of torque.

It's a similar story with the Cooper variants. The petrol cars now offer 122bhp and 160Nm from their 1.6-litre powerplants. The Cooper D diesels have 112bhp and a meaty 270Nm for dispatching inclines in an effortless manner. These models sit just below the turbocharged Cooper S models with 184bhp and 0-60mph acceleration of only 7.3s. The MINI flagship level remains 'John Cooper Works' - or JCW. Based on an engine developed for the MINI Challenge race series, 1.6 turbo unit in this model delivers no less than 210bhp on a tight, twisty road, very few cars are quicker.

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.

Pricing remains premium but competitive throughout a range that comprises First, One, One D, Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S with the JCW model at the top giving the Renault Clio 200 something to think about. Most customers won't end up paying the basic price for the First model. 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.

Desired for its retro style and praised for its agile handling, the MINI isn't short of strengths but one of its biggest is often overlooked. Thanks to stop-start technology and brake energy regeneration, few small cars can touch BMW's baby on efficiency and running costs. As a result, nearly every model in the range now dips beneath the 160g/km CO2 mark, with around half of those under 130g/km. And this in addition to the MINI Hatch One D and Cooper D now having 99g/km and being congestion charge exempt.

The entry-level MINI First delivers fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 52.3 mpg and CO2 emissions 127g/km. The petrol Cooper variants meanwhile, return 52.3mpg and emit127g/m of CO2, while the Cooper S delivers 48.7mpg on the combined cycle and 136g/km of CO2. If economy is your number one priority though, the diesel models are the highlight. An incredible 74.3mpg is on the cards with the MINI One D with 99g/km emissions while the quicker Cooper D diesel gets 72.4mpg and 103g/km. Plus MINI's notoriously buoyant residual values also give it an edge over the typical ownership period.

The engine improvements and minor restyle to this MK2 MINI are timely tweaks and ensure that this British-built design still remains a benchmark in the premium small car segment, easy to imitate but difficult to beat. Others may be more stylish and slightly bigger but still can't rival its fun factor and its everyday affordability.

And those, after all, are two of the main reasons for buying a car of this kind. Back in 1959 when he created the British original, Sir Alec Issigonis knew that. We think he'd have been pleased at how his creation's turned out.

TOP 5 MINI DEALS

The results below show the top MINI deals on buyacar

Mini Countryman 1.6 Cooper D ALL4 5dr diesel hatchback
Price £18,907	Save £1,553
Mini Hatchback 1.6 One 3dr
Price £13,265	Save £195
Mini Hatchback 1.6 Cooper D 3dr diesel
Price £15,297	Save £883
Mini Countryman 1.6 One 5dr hatchback
Price £15,912	Save £588
Mini Convertible 1.6 Cooper D 2dr diesel
Price £17,247	Save £1,123
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