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The MINI range - Auto Express
28.03.2001 |
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Head to head: All the details, all the specs as One and Cooper meet up for the first time ever.
It's the most eagerly awaited car of the year and potentially the most controversial of the decade. Expectation is huge, as anyone interested in cars has an opinion about it - before it's even turned a wheel.
Of course, it can only be the new MINI, which will finally hit UK roads on 7 July. Priced from less than £10,000, it looks set to turn the supermini sector on its head with a combination of practicality and driveability inspired by the innovation of the original.
But how do you know which of the One or Cooper models suits you? In this world exclusive, Auto Express has brought the MINI range together away from motor show stands for the first time. This exciting meeting gives you the opportunity to judge the new cars side by side, detail against detail, and is the first chance to get under the skin of the finished MINI family as it will appear in showrooms this summer.
Initially, these two versions, the MINI One and the MINI Cooper, will be available. As our pictures show, they will be different visually and offer a range of features unique to themselves.
Although prices have yet to be confirmed, it's expected that the One will cost £9,995. Powered by a 90bhp four-cylinder 1.6-litre 16v engine capable of an impressive 43.4 mpg, while hitting 0-60mph in 10.9 seconds and going on to 115mph, it will offer affordability, together with style and practicality. Standard equipment will include disc brakes, ABS, a rear screen wiper, chrome headlight trims and door handles, and remote control central locking. In addition, there's a six-speaker sound system and electric windows and mirrors. Safety is set to rival the best in the class, with driver and passenger airbags as standard. A curtain bag system is also offered.
The Cooper will build on the driver-oriented reputation of the original Mini. Expected to cost around £13,000, it will take the role of range flagship until the arrival of the £16,000 Cooper S in 2002. With 115bhp from its 16v 1.6-litre engine, the Cooper promises a hot hatch-rivalling 0-60mph sprint time of 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 125mph. Fuel economy is expected to average 42.2mpg. Standard equipment includes 15-inch aluminium wheels and a black or white painted roof with matching door mirrors. A chrome radiator grille, exhaust and headlamp trims are added to boost the sporting looks.
Inside, colour-co-ordinated leather seats are optional, and the safety kit includes a tyre pressure monitoring and warning system. Buyers can also choose to specify a sunroof, bonnet stripes, satellite navigation and BMW's DSCIII traction control system.
Despite the differences in specification, both MINIs promise impressive practicality. The rear seats are set low to maximise headroom, and although adults would be cramped on long journeys, four people can travel in comfort on short trips. The 160-litre capacity of the boot is not class leading, but it is complemented by plenty of stowage space within the cabin.
Up close, BMW's influence on the new MINI is clear. Squeeze the handles and the doors open smoothly yet sturdily. A gentle shove will close them with the kind of soft thud many executive cars aspire to. From behind the wheel, there's a great view of the road ahead. The adjustable position means even drivers over 6ft tall will be able to settle comfortably, which would have been impossible in the old car.
In keeping with its no-frills strategy, the MINI One's interior is cleanly laid out, with the emphasis on the centrally mounted speedometer. The Cooper's driver-oriented nature is enhanced by a rev counter behind the steering wheel, and wheel-mounted controls for the stereo and optional satellite navigation system. The shorter gearknob makes the shift feel sportier, too.
While the two models that we brought together show what is to be the standard level trim, parent company BMW is aware of the previous models'popularity with young people keen on personalising their cars.
As a result, the firm has chosen to offer three optional extra packages tailored to offer value for money. Called Salt, Pepper and Chili, they provide combinations of features that should be around 30 per cent cheaper than buying the items individually.
Salt will be available on the MINI One, and, in keeping with the car's practical nature, will offer an interior lights package to ease loading and unloading in the dark. Cabin design options include adding the Cooper's rev counter and silver-effect trim.
Pepper is exclusively for the Cooper, and includes parcel nets, interior lights and foglamps. Chili, meanwhile, is the choice to make the Cooper even racier. Fabric and leather-trimmed sport seats with extra side support are added, as is a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Uprated sport suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels and a discreet roof spoiler are also part of the package.
After this exclusive up-close preview of the new range, we can't wait to drive the MINI. What's obvious is that both the One and Cooper models boast seriously strong, but different, selling points. The One is affordable, but does not skimp on the high quality that the new MINI enjoys. Its character is honest, unpretentious and lovable, without leaving you feeling as though you've been short-changed.
The Cooper version will bring out the driver in you. With greater aggression from its raunchier trim and more potent mechanicals, it will certainly be the model for those motorists who love the original as an engineering icon and lifestyle statement, as well as the sporting heritage its predecessor so successfully cultivated.
If the newcomers are even half as good as they promise to be, they won't disappoint. Only time will tell if they can match their predecessors, but from where we are looking the future of the MINI appears incredibly bright.
Auto Express 1st Opinion
THE new MINI has some big boots to fill, but if it proves even half as successful as its predecessor, it could be with us for a long time to come. However, before the newcomer can set its sights on rivalling the 40-year lifespan of the original, it must win fans on its own merits, rather than its heritage. From what we have seen, there seems no reason why it won't be able to do that. There's a strong range of engines, pleasingly good quality, reasonable practicality and keen prices - all essential when it comes to ruling the roost in the competitive supermini sector.
At a glance
MINI One and MINI Cooper to be launched on 7 July
Prices start at under £10,000, rising to £13,000 for the Cooper
Powered by a choice of two 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines