I'LL be honest – I've never really been a huge fan of the modern-day Mini. As an out-and-out motoring enthusiast, I was under the incorrect impression that the 'lesser', non-S models were more of a fashion accessory, placing cutesy looks and eye-catching interiors above intrinsic things such as steering feel, handling and downright driving fun.
So it wasn't with huge adulation that I took temporary custody of one with five doors, a three-cylinder diesel engine and an automatic transmission for the weekend. However, it doesn't take long to see why they're a firm, unremovable fixture on the UK's roads. It's because they're rather good; give one a chance to get under your skin and it grabs the opportunity with both hands.
The evolution of cool looks, funky styling touches, quirky interiors and proverbial go-faster stripes has seen the ever-popular Mini maintain and build upon its already sky-high reputation. Last year saw the firm register record sales here, with almost 54,000 cars of all guises finding homes. Having only been launched in March 2014, the new Mini in Cooper and One form continued the brand's dominance in the small hatchback sector but October saw a first for the BMW-owned marque - a five-door alternative.
To accommodate the two extra doors, Mini has extended the car's length to 3,982mm, making it 161mm longer than before. It's quite difficult to fathom out why they have waited this long to offer that. Having a wheelbase increase alone of 72mm is great for space inside and that means it's now a genuine family-friendly hatchback. There's also a bigger boot which, at 278 litres, is around 25 per cent larger than the three-door car's somewhat dinky one. Every little helps in this competitive area of the market and space certainly isn't lacking in the five-door.
The Cooper D, which starts at £17,050, hasn't lost any of the verve, tenacity and agility its petrol-powered siblings possess. While it carries a little more weight, fuel economy approaching 70mpg is mightily impressive and only adds to the car's appeal. It's exempt from road tax due to its 99g/km emissions figure, so it should be by far and away the cheapest Mini to run.
Select 'D' on the auto gearbox - a £1,058 option - and the Mini couldn't be any easier to drive. It shuffles through its speeds with no nasty jolts or lurches and the engine becomes a great companion on any journey. It's smooth, quiet and refined - just what you want. Our test car, fitted with optional 17-inch 'Roulette Spoke' alloy wheels, could have messed with its ride comfort but it's still perfectly admissible, ironing out jutted surfaces and maintaining suppleness on every surface it's faced with.
Don't think that this planet-friendly car has come at the expense of fun, either. The all-new 1.5-litre diesel has plenty of urgency low down in its rev range and a nice dose of in-gear torque as well, its 114bhp and 199lb ft being enough to cover 0-62mph in a shade over nine seconds and hit 126mph flat out. The alert front end remains a key trait in how the five-door drives with pointy, crisp handling being delivered to the front wheels via excellent steering.
The five-door feels its size so you would expect a bit more in the way of roll and a somewhat blunter experience when it comes to showing it a selection of tight corners, but the fact is it's great fun on the roads Minis of old love to be on. The way in which it flows from corner to corner is really quite impeccable: turn in is quick, precise and absolutely controlled by your every input, despite how insignificant it may appear to be.Look down by the handbrake and there are options of 'Sport' and 'Green'. The latter is a handy thing to have when you're on the quest for the best fuel economy, but the former sharpens up throttle response, adds more weight to the already impressive steering and promises to give 'maximum go-kart feel'. The fancy, changeable lighting turns racy red and you're left in no doubt that the diesel-powered Cooper has not lost its touch.
Our car, fitted with the £2,250 'Chili Pack' which notably includes a multi-function steering wheel, particularly brilliant sports seats and the aforementioned driving modes feels like a quality, well-made product and should once again contribute to Mini's exemplary sales in the UK. It's time that non-S Minis get the recognition they deserve from enthusiasts. It's most definitely justified.
For more information on this fantastic new model to the MINI range call Sytner Sheffield on 0114 252 5390 and quote *Barnsley Chronicle*.
