CO2 emissions are now down to 105g/km – so expect just a 14% company car tax banding in 2014/15.
However, there’s more to the improved Cooper than just better CO2 emissions. “The MINI Cooper now has 134bhp but what that doesn’t tell you is the improvement in the mid-range,” explains Dave.
“In gear flexibility has improved by 3 seconds – that’s massively quicker! It’s a combination of the direct injection and the turbo charging.
“We’ve also got a ‘Driving Modes’ function – it’s a rotary collar on the base of the gear lever – which means the driver can choose between standard, sport or green. It’s an option that’s part of the Chili pack – and most MINIs are sold with a Chili pack.”
In gear flexibility has improved by 3 seconds – that’s massively quicker!
Dave said there are also two types of six-speed automatic available. It means a diesel MINI Cooper automatic can be driven for a minimal company car tax penalty – the CO2 emissions are 98g/km (92g/km for the manual). There’s auto stop-start for better fuel economy, too, and when used in conjunction with the MINI Navigation System, will ‘read’ the road ahead to ensure the optimal gear is held.
“The other automatic gearbox is a six-speed sports auto transmission. You get the flappy paddles on the steering wheel but it also matches your revs automatically on downchanges. I was brought up on ‘heel and toeing’ but this new auto transmission is very good – it blips the engine for you!”
The new MINI – while it looks comfortingly familiar – is in fact larger all round: it is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 28mm, while the track width has been enlarged at the front by 42mm and at the rear by 34mm.
Key dimensions are 3,821mm long (MINI Cooper S is 3,850mm), 1,727mm wide and 1,414mm tall.
Prices have also gone up marginally, but Dave says there is a more comprehensive specification.
“Now you’ve got standard Bluetooth, front foglights, on board computer and front passenger Isofix connections,” explained Dave.
“So it’s definitely a much better business proposition. But the real pleasure is the driving.”
I can’t wait!
Read more about the new MINI
New MINI empties the taxman’s pockets
