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Winning formula

New Mini looks like its predecessor but is a turbocharged little rocket

Published on August 8, 2007

There is a new Mini on the road, but it would be pretty difficult to spot one on Bangkok's roads.

Not because no one buys it. In fact, the Mini is one of the most popular niche cars around, one that has been making lots of money for BMW (Thailand), the local distributor.

But it's because it looks so much like the outgoing model, if you don't pay enough attention to the details.

First shown at the Bangkok International Motor Show earlier this year, the new Mini - code-named R56 - is actually larger then the predecessor.

BMW says that the new model has been totally redesigned, especially in terms of the exterior body styling, but by looking at the pictures, you have to be a Mini expert to tell where the differences are. The body length has been increased slightly, from 3,655mm to 3,714mm, mainly to make it easier for rear passengers to get in and out, while the height has been reduced from 1,416mm to 1,407mm.

The bi-xenon headlights are slightly larger and the engine compartment lid is more aerodynamic. There are also small changes here and there around the body, but they are really minute.

The Mini range consists of three models, namely the Mini One, Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S featured here this week.

You can make out the Cooper S from the serious-looking air scoop on the bonnet, along with a sportier finish than the One and the regular Cooper.

Despite the small exterior changes, the interior is where the new Mini is really different. Yes, it is still pretty much low-cost, with lots of plastics that would surely start to rattle and squeak after a year or so, but at least the appearance has been modernised.

One thing that hasn't changed is that the rev counter is mounted right behind the steering wheel, but to check the speed, you will need to flick your eyes to the centre console where the speedometer lies. It's a classic gimmick, but one that is not necessarily convenient. Fortunately, the warning lights (except for the seatbelt) and onboard computer readouts are located within the rev counter.

Within the speedo is a circular LED fuel gauge and the controls for the audio system (CD and radio). But that's just the controls, since the actual CD drive is a separate unit and is located below it, right above the air-conditioner controls.

The circular air vents look great, although due to the large speedometer, the location of the right centre vent is too close to the steering wheel, meaning that your left hand is bound to freeze. Well, so much for the BMW Group's "form follows function" philosophy.

The control module for the air-conditioner looks great - it resembles the Mini logo with the wings and below it are controls for the power windows, central locking and fog lamps.

The three-spoke multi-function steering wheel looks great, and feels nice and firm in the palms, while the pedals also look good.

The gearshift knob for the six-speed manual gearbox is also a classic, despite being a little large. The seats have been improved, too, being easier to adjust and featuring high-quality stitching.

The Cooper S comes with a panoramic sunroof that covers both the front and rear part of the roof. But why would you need a sunroof for Thailand, a country where cosmetics manufacturers makes millions from selling whitening lotion? I was actually looking for a lid, but all there is was a sunshade that still allows lots of light through the roof. Again, guys, form follows function!

The new Mini also comes with a new engine, which is my favourite part of this car. This time a turbocharger replaces the supercharger to give it a pocket-rocket performance.

To start the engine, you need to insert the cool-looking remote into a slot, then press the start button. Cool procedure, although fact is that it takes more time than with a traditional single key movement.

Nevertheless, the new 1.6-litre engine, capable of pumping out 175hp at 5,500rpm (up by 5hp compared to the outgoing supercharged model) and 240Nm of torque from a low 1,600rpm right up to 5,000rpm, comes alive with a nice sporty growl, then starts to purr nicely. It is actually smoother than the old engine, too.

The gearbox is slick enough, and acceleration from rest is quite spectacular, with a claimed 0-100kph time of 7.1 seconds - the top speed is about 225kph, which is rather fast for a tiny car like this (the wheelbase is only 2,467mm).

Flexibility is superb, with the twin-scroll turbo kicking in early like a supercharger, and the close-ratio gearing makes it really fun to drive. In higher gears like fifth and sixth, it is easy to overtake without having to shift down.

As for any Mini, the short front and rear overhangs make it easier to handle as well as change direction. There is plenty of grip on the road, and the Cooper S corners like a sports car. The steering is also precise.

The small turning circle also makes it a great car to drive in the city, posing no problems when parking in tight spaces. The ride quality has also been improved, making it more comfortable to drive on poor road conditions.

The car also comes with a hill-assist function, which helps prevent the car from rolling backwards when starting off on an incline (while also helping to preserve the clutch). But actually if you can drive a car with a manual gearbox, then this is just a redundant feature. Maybe for hi-so kids - hello, didn't you actually take the driving test?

Apart from the usual ABS, the braking system comes with everything ranging from EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), BA (brake assist) and CBC (cornering brake control). There is also a DSC (dynamic stability control), which steps in to tidy things up in emergency situations.

There are two trim levels for the Cooper S: Bt2.8 million for Look 1 and Bt3 million for Look 2. The top version we drove came with the works, including sports suspension, six air bags, 17-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tyres, rain sensors and automatic switching headlights.

Would I get one for myself? No way, since I am no Mini fan (I would rather spend the money on a Subaru Impreza, which is a real man's car). There's a saying among fellow journalists that even if you have the money, you can't buy a Mini.

You also need to be a little stubborn to spend this much money for a subcompact, which suffers much from the import duty. But, of course, that's a joke.

To many, the Mini is actually an icon, an instant classic that is always a trendy car, no matter how old it gets. Otherwise, you wouldn't see it everywhere like you do today.

Specifications:

MINI Cooper S

Engine: Four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with twin-scroll turbocharger

Displacement: 1,598cc

Max power: 175hp/5,500rpm

Max torque: 240Nm/1,600-5,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Top speed: 225kph

0-100kph: 7.1 seconds

Average fuel consumption: 6.9 litres/100km

Suspension (f/r): MacPherson strut, stabiliser/multi-link, stabiliser

Brakes: Vented discs all around with ABS,