MINI Cooper hatch 2011 Review

It's here, it's dear and despite knowing the catalogue of updates fitted, MINI's revised Cooper hatch looks and feels just like the old one -- to most observers at least.

Not that it's a bad thing. MINI has always packed a lot of personality into its diminutive dimensions and with more standard kit, the hike in price could almost be considered worth it -- were it not for a growing number of competitors nipping at Cooper's cankles. Audi's new A1, the refreshed Alfa Romeo MiTo (and its brill twin-clutch tranny) and the Citroen DS3, to name but a few -- and all make pretty compelling arguments against a car that's essentially looking its age. Retro-chic is not the must-have it once was.

In a bid to keep these newcomers at bay, refreshed Cooper adds Bluetooth telephony, enhanced media player connectivity and an improved audio system interface to the standard kit list. Externally, trainspotters will note subtle changes to Cooper's front fascia (growing 99mm in length to meet new Euro pedestrian impact regulations), fog lamps up front and new LED-equipped tail lamps.

But that's about it, so far as Cooper's concerned. Elsewhere in the range there's a few more technical highlights (see our launch review for further details) but the formula is much the same.

The latest Cooper hatch features the same suspension, the same stoppers and the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder PSA-sourced engine -- despite a modest power increase of 2kW for a total of 90 (torque is unchanged at 160Nm) -- as its predecessor. Performance doesn't really feel any more brisk, but when married to MINI's slick-shifting six-speed gearbox the engine provides enough urge.

Pleasingly, the fun to drive character hasn't diminished, even if fuel consumption has -- the retune delivering a 0.4-litre improvement to take the combined tally to 5.4L/100km.

An agile handler, the Cooper still feels nimble underfoot and offers tenacious grip on optional 16-inch alloys, even if the latest electronic steering tune has sapped some of the hatch's inborn tactility. Conversely, the light tiller does make Cooper a champion of the carpark with excellent all-round visibility further aiding manoeuvrability in tight quarters.

Hardly the advocate of efficient packaging the Morris Mini once was, new Cooper's interior space is compromised at best. Ample front room leaves little in the way of rear legroom and cargo climes are quite compact, despite the flexibility of a 50:50 split fold rear seat. For that lucky couple that do get a front row seat, Cooper offers comfortable accommodation with excellent visibility, nifty storage cubbies and quality assembly.

On the safety front, Cooper scores half a dozen airbags, run-flat tyres, motion-activated remote central locking and the indispensable inventory of three-letter acronyms. ANCAP have bestowed the three-door MINI with a four-star safety rating (this rating does not apply to Clubman or Convertible models).

A cool ride with a packet of personalisation options, MINI's Cooper is still an enjoyable drive with lots to like. Style-safe buyers could do worse than hunt down a decent deal on Cooper hatch, but if you're feeling adventurous, and want to stand out from the crowd, some of the newcomers might do better to help you "be seen".

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