Driving & Performance

After the end of production for the ultra-compact Mini came the start of a new beginning. The new Mini - first rolled out in 2001 - comes in a clutch of sleek models.

The classic Mini One is perhaps best suited to the urban-savvy driver, coming in a compact sized engine to match its peers. While the acceleration isn't up to supercar standard, it still bears all the hallmarks of German engineering at its finest. Mini Cooper, on the other hand, is a whole lot sportier for the run around; the general consensus is that while the steering can be a little heavy at times, the responsiveness and torsion handling are second to none. The big brother, however, turns on the style. Cooper S packs that extra punch for motorway drives, with larger engines and a stronger capacity to perform.

Safety & Costs

The main problem with the old Mini, despite its much-loved eccentricity packed in to a small space, was its poor showing in crash testing. The modern supermini is becoming a lot more spacious with extensive bodywork, and as a result the BMW refit took the iconic Mini design and beefed it up to a more impressive stature, scoring well in the obligatory Euro NCAP test ratings.

In terms of costs, it really depends what kind of Minis will arrive at the Direct Cars showroom. Pre-owned Minis are difficult to estimate as the amount of additional extras and add-ons can be extensive to say the least. Expect to pay anywhere from around 7,000 upwards to the mid-teens. Urban driving provides a decent return on fuel efficiency, with the Cooper S providing around 33mpg and the Cooper a more conservative 42mpg.

Technical Specifications

Where would you like to start? Today's Mini resumes from where the old left off, with a variety of metallic paints and, in some cases, continues the trend of Union Flag roofs, racing stripe bonnets and chequered-flag wing mirrors on some Cooper models. You may also find a series of electronic gadgets and gizmos thrown in on some of the top-end models, though expect the usual CD player, air conditioning and all the driving performance goodies you'd need for a car like this. Engines range from the 1.2l engine of convenience to the aggressive 1.6 turbocharged models. Look out for the convertible models, too; possibly one of the best and most natural-looking soft-top designs we've ever seen.