What’s hot?
- Despite the extra length and height performance matches the 0-62mph sprint of the 3-door Cooper S at just 6.8secs for the paddle-shift auto gearbox while and a top speed of 142mph is just 4mph down on the smaller car. Likewise, fuel consumption is also similar with a claimed combined consumption of just 46.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 128g/km.
- Six speed Steptronic automartic gearbox is very rapid both up and down the gears delivering nice little pops and crackles through the exhaust on the over-run.
- Like its smaller 3-door stablemate the ride is surprisingly compliant even in Sport mode, while the Midi or Green modes also radically alter the nature of the car for longer, more economical, journeys.
- The MINI brand feel is very evident in all models and takes on a more grown-up feel in the luxurious MINI YOURS full leather upholstered option. It also takes all the technology launched with the smaller car including a large central dial multimedia computer monitor allowing for three modes of car set-up using adaptive suspension and engine calibration, plus access to MINI Connected for navigation, entertainment and Bluetooth connectivity for both phone and audio.
- A pop-up adjustable heads-up display allows easy reading of speeds and navigation without taking the driver’s eyes off the road.
- The increased roof height adds a more sit-up-and-beg look to the car which, some would argue, better echoes the shape of the original Alex Issigonis designed Mini.
What’s not?
The extra length to the wheelbase, now at 2,567mm, is noticeable on the car which does not feel quite as lively a handler as the smaller Hatch.
Rear passenger space, while bigger, still places the new third seat over the car’s front-to-back console which has to be straddled by the third person and would be uncomfortable for long trips.
The extra driver’s side visor still feels very much an after thought to a car that has had so much time and money invested on design.
