4. And they are great engines, too
The 1.5 litre, three cylinder petrol unit is a gem, while its diesel sibling is deep chested, emits a muted thrum when really pressed, and is predictably an accomplished M-Way cruiser. The four cylinder petrol engine found in the Cooper S suits the car well, with the torque of the diesel but the high revving nature of a petrol, inevitably somewhat at the expense of running costs.
5. Trickle down BMW tech
Such as variable dampers, heads-up display, park assist, and an iDrive rotary controller – a first for this segment. Only the last of these is standard equipment however.
6. BMW interior quality
Interior quality and fit and finish has shot up, but the arm rest is ergonomically awkward and the huge speedo has become the sat nav, losing a bit of character.
7. A better ride
Lighter suspension and careful settings have managed to make the MINI much more compliant on bad surfaces, but without losing its sparkle.
8. Increased refinement
The upright windscreen and large mirrors still generate some wind noise at 70mph +, but the noise is greatly reduced from previous models.
9. It’s newer than it looks
BMW has invested £750m in a new factory in Oxford and almost every component in the new MINI is new, yet BMW has been very careful not to wreck any of the iconic elements of styling, retaining the hexagonal grill, round headlamps, clamshell bonnet, upright windscreen and floating roof.
10. Options, options
Better value than BMW options, yet you can still quickly add £5k to the list price.
