ON THE ROAD

Performance
The Cooper's 118bhp 1.6-litre engine is smooth and willing, but you need the turbocharged shove and extra 55bhp of the Cooper S to really do the hot hatch image and drive justice. The Cooper D's 108bhp turbodiesel is flexible, but doesn't give the top-end grunt or character to suit the Mini's fun-to-thrash nature.

Ride & handling
Whichever version you go for, the Mini is a hoot to drive. There's a real go-kart feel, with the kind of grip, poise and agility you associate with much pricier, sportier cars. The Mini's compact dimensions make it eager to change direction, while the steering is responsive and communicative. The ride is firm, but not unacceptably so.

Refinement
The Cooper's petrol engines are docile around town and don't become coarse when revved hard. It's a shame you can't say the same of the diesel, which is too gruff at low speeds. Although the wide tyres contribute to some road noise and the upright windscreen creates wind noise at speed, the Mini is a civilised motorway cruiser for its size.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
It's not cheap and you can forget about discounts, but the Mini makes sound financial sense. No car in this class holds its value as well, while fuel, contract hire and company car tax bills are comparatively low. For £150 you can also have Mini's TLC package, which covers all routine servicing costs for five years or 80,000 miles.

Quality & reliability
The Mini has a premium image, but although much of the interior trim looks the part, some of the materials and switchgear is disappointingly plasticky. The previous Mini wasn't without glitches, but scored well in JD Power customer satisfaction surveys and in our own reliability survey.

Safety & security
Every Mini comes with front, side and cabin-length window airbags. You also get non-skid brakes, which will work mid-bend without unsettling the car, and ISOFIX child seat mountings. Cooper D and Cooper S models have traction control, but full stability control costs extra across the board. The Mini has most of the security parts that make BMWs so hard to steal.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
The driver's seat is comfy and there's a wide range of adjustment for both that and the steering wheel, but the dash is far too fussy. The huge central speedo is hard to miss, but the stereo and heater controls are hard to read and awkwardly placed, while the retro toggle switches put style above ease of use.

Space & practicality
The Mini has lots of head- and legroom for those in front and reasonable space for two rear passengers. Getting in and out of the rear seats requires a fair degree of dexterity, however, because the door opening is low and narrow. The boot is small, with room for just a couple of holdalls, although the 50/50 split rear-seat back folds for more space.

Equipment
The Mini has a premium price, but you're likely to pay extra for the kit you want. All models have alloy wheels, electric mirrors and windows, and a CD player. Cooper S cars gain sportier styling, seats and suspension, but you still have to pay extra for air-con. Most buyers will go for the Pepper or Chili option packs, which group desirable features together.