Mini Cooper 5dr 2018 : A new Mini
A new Mini. Well, it’s new in some ways but, in truth, it's largely carried over from the F55-generation we first drove back in 2014.
Even for a midlife facelift, the changes are minimal and pertain chiefly to the infotainment system and elements of design, some of which are now customisable. It means this Cooper model, which sits between the entry-level One and the Cooper S, still touts 134bhp from a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, although you can now opt for a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission alongside the six-speed manual that comes as standard.
The easiest way to tell a 2018 Mini from a pre-facelift version is by looking at the tail-lights. The daytime-running element of the standard LED headlights are now complete rings, within which the indicators are integrated.
The only way to ‘tool up’ for potential manufacturer of numerous single-item parts has been invest in 3D-printing. There’s even a sophisticated new online configurator to reflect the multitudinous options.
With zero hardware alterations, the manner in which this car operates is unchanged from before; that is to say it’s pleasingly crisp not just by the standards of a five-door supermini but also by those of any hatchback class. This is a chassis that grips and turns like it actually wants to.
Meanwhile, this three-cylinder engine remains a peppy companion that delivers its modest efforts in a likeably straightforward manner. Torque of 162lb ft arrives at just 1480rpm and begins to fade only marginally before a peak 134bhp is developed at 4500rpm. Response is excellent and, together with a tactile gearshift, means this car offers simple pleasures, whatever speed you’re travelling.
Another thing: these cars are spacious in the front and that can be deceptive. This is still a supermini, so while even tall passengers in the back will find adequate head room, leg room is fairly tight.
If you’re strongly considering a Mini, the matter of rivals made by other manufacturers could well be moot.
So many of these cars are sold on the basis of their persona alone, and it’s not hard to see why. That this is also a well-balanced and – for the most part – well-mannered little driver’s car will be incidental.
Nevertheless, the equivalent Polo is more generously equipped and better isolates passengers from the road – both aurally and physically. It’s the more mature car and draws the line between refinement and driver reward in an altogether different hemisphere to the Mini, which for buyers is likely to swing it one way or the other straightaway. Ford’s Fiesta and the Seat Ibiza have a great deal more in common with the Mini in this respect.
There’s also the 189bhp Cooper S, whose facelift extends to chassis revisions that move the experience on from what the Cooper offers.
Mini Cooper 5dr specification
Where Wantage, UK Price £18,040; On sale now; Engine 3cyls, 1499c, turbocharged petrol; Power 134bhp at 4500-6000rpm; Torque 162lb ft at 1480-4200rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual; Kerb weight 1160kg; Top speed 129mph; 0-62mph 8.2sec; Fuel economy 55.4mpg; CO2 120g/km; Rivals Suzuki Swift Sport, VW Polo 1.0 SEL, Ford Fiesta
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