Category: Superminis 
Price Range: £13,715 to £17,660
Strong image, excellent TLC service package, good drive, impressive diesel.
Limited practicality, not exactly quick, pricey.
Not as impressive as the original 'new' Mini, but still a strong choice.
The first-generation new Mini has had a few problems since its launch in 2001, most notably relating to electrical gremlins and a front suspension fault that caused some cars to pull to one side under braking. Also, there have been problems with expensive runflat tyres puncturing too easily.
But BMW has learnt from these weaknesses and the new model shouldn't have the same issues. Indeed, much of technology comes from other tried and trusted BMW products - the radio is essentially the same as the one in a 3-Series, for example - so should prove reliable.
The fit and finish of the cars we've driven is exemplary, with a clear improvement in the quality of the materials used in the cabin. Real wood and aluminium can now be specified as interior highlights, along with hand-sewn leather. It certainly feels better than anything available in French superminis.
Latest Readers' Drives About the MINI Mini
wrote on 12 08 2007