MINI
The MINI range is anything but small! It now includes a quirky Clubman ‘estate’, the practical Countryman 4x4 and the racy coupe. But it was the hatchback that started the retro craze, and it's still a strong seller. As well as being fashionable, it's fun to drive, well made and holds its value well. However, top specification cars are expensive to buy, especially if you go crazy with the options.
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Pros:
- Fun handling
- Upmarket image
- Cheap to run across the range
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Cons:
- Loads on the road
- Lack of boot and rear seat space
- Potholes rattle interior
With its bug-eyed appearance, the MINI's design is shamelessly retro, yet it's still a unique looking car. The MINI is popular because of its sharp handling and the potential for personalisation with its (pricey) optional extras. It's expensive to buy, but is cheap to run, with good fuel economy across the range; the Cooper D diesel is especially efficient. The MINI remains the benchmark premium small car, imitated by the Fiat 500 and Citroen DS3, but not bettered yet.
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Pros:
- Upmarket image
- Fabric roof operates quickly and easily
- Running costs are low
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Cons:
- Wind noise with the roof down
- Tiny boot and rear seats
- Potholes cause the cabin to rattle
The standard MINI hatchback has tiny rear seats and a minute boot... So making space for the fabric hood makes the Convertible even more impractical. That aside, this MINI does everything else a small convertible should very well: it's fun to drive, has loads of space up front, is cheap to run, and the electric roof folds quickly. The Fiat 500C is a strong rival, but convertibles don’t come much cooler than the MINI.
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Pros:
- Exhaust note
- High resale value
- ‘Go Kart’ handling
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Cons:
- Lack of boot and rear seat space
- Some cheap interior plastics
- Poor standard spec
The ultimate BMW-developed MINI comes in the form of the 208bhp John Cooper Works, the hottest production MINI yet capable of 148mph. The MINI JCW faces comeptition from the Renault Clio Renaultsport and Vauxhall Corsa VXR. Excellent resale values and an economical engine means the performance MINI is a sensible, if expensive choice. Sharing many parts with the MINI Challenge one-make racers, the JCW provides cracking entertainment in a desirable hot hatch package.
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Pros:
- Exhaust note with roof down
- Resale values
- Excellent handling for a convertible
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Cons:
- Lack of boot and rear seat space
- Some cheap interior plastics
- Limited rear visibility
The ultimate MINI Convertible keeps all the traits of the JCW Hatchback, coming with 208bhp and a 148mph top speed. With an exhaust note that crackles at idle like the 1959 original, the ‘go-kart’ handling is matched to the enjoyment of open-top motoring. Excellent resale values mean the performance MINI is a sensible, if expensive choice for sun worshippers.
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