MINI Hatch 2010 Review

MINI, MINI Cabrio, MINI Clubman

About our ratings

Having just launched its facelifted models in Australia, encompassing all three bodystyles -- Hatchback, Cabrio, Clubman -- it would appear that MINI is well aware its time in the sun could be over, but it's not panicking. In fact, list prices have risen by between $400 and $1000 across the range -- not exactly a white flag of surrender. The flip side of this equation is improved standard equipment across the range.

Now offered with Bluetooth telephony as standard across the range, not to mention a USB audio interface and improved audio system controls, MINI has outlined its new battle plan to stymie enemy assaults, boldly claiming: Always outnumbered, never outgunned.

The Cooper models get foglights as part of the package where previously it had none, and all models get new LED brake lights. These brake lights also get a safety feature in the form of brake force display, lighting up brighter the harder the brake pedal is pushed.

The fog/reverse lights have also been refreshed and new side scuttles surround the indicators on the car's flanks.

Turbocharged Cooper S models are now distinguished by more than just a bonnet scoop, with new brake ducts integrated into the lower air intake adding more visual interest, and the range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) models can now be optioned with 'chilli' red roofs and matching interior accents.

Allowing customers to tailor their cars to their own personal tastes is part and parcel of the MINI experience and, as such, new exterior colours are available, with Spice Orange among the new paint schemes.

On top of exterior changes MINI has also applied a few tweaks to the interior, some of which work very well. Take the audio controls for instance: The dials for tuning/menu and volume are now located side by side make for a more intuitive layout as compared to the previous vertically oriented controls.

Other interior updates include auto headlights, rain sensing windscreen wipers and velour floor mats as standard on all models, plus hands-free Bluetooth telephony, and a USB audio interface jack.

New dash insert colours (currently predominantly black or silver) and a wider choice of leather upholstery colours round out the interior updates for the new MINI.

With all this added value, MINI has bumped up the prices somewhat, by between $400 and $1000 depending on the model. The MINI range now kicks off at $31,500 for the Cooper hatch. The top of the range is the MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio priced from $57,300. For a full rundown of prices check out our news coverage of the MINI facelift launch.

In the optional category, for the first time MINI is also offering Adaptive Headlights, which help light up around corners, rather than straight through them. The swiveling headlights are a $700 option and entry-level Cooper models need the xenon headlights as well, making it a $1400 proposition in some cases.

Another first the MINI is the Radio Visual Boost system, which adds a high resolution 6.5-inch colour LCD screen. The menu system is controlled via a compact joystick on the tunnel console, and could be seen as the BMW iDrive 'light'. This option is $750 and is also included as part of the Business Navigation package, which asks $1900.

Looking at the mechanical side of the equation, suspension and braking systems have remained relatively unchanged in all MINI models, but new alloy wheel designs are now available in 15, 16 and 17-inch rim sizes and some of these are available in powder-coated black - which give the MINI an added dose of menace in this writer's eyes.

Engine changes contribute to the new MINI's charm, giving the petrol models a little more hustle. The entry-level MINI Cooper engines are 1.6-litre four-cylinder units that now output 90kW, up from 88kW, and torque remains the same (160Nm). Fuel consumption has improved from a claimed 5.8 to 5.4L/100km.

The high performance Cooper S engines get a power boost as well, from 128kW to 135kW. Torque remains unchanged at 240Nm (260Nm with overboost) though once again fuel consumption has been reduced, from 6.9 to 5.8L/100km.

The MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) models retain their 155kW/260Nm powertrains, but at the other end of the spectrum, the diesel-powered MINI D models have had a major tune-up. Power has rise from 80 to 82kW in the 1.6-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, while torque has shot up from 240 to 270Nm, giving the car significantly more stomp.

Yet even with more torque and power, the MINI D remains one of Australia's most economical cars, using just 3.8L/100km, down from 3.9L/100km.

At time of writing, the MINI Cooper D is available with only a six-speed manual gearbox but an automatic will be offered with a new MINI D model in March 2011, powered by a BMW-sourced 2.0-litre engine.

Up first on the motorkhana we first tried the MINI Cooper S Clubman and though the tightness of the course meant that only first and second gears were needed, the handling of the longer wagon-like MINI shone in the confined conditions. Turn-in is relatively crisp and though there were increasing levels of body roll through the slalom sections, engine power was top notch.

However, it wasn't until we stepped into the MINI JCW hardtop that it was clear just how sharp the little hot hatch can be. Fitted with black 17-inch wheels, black body paint and a chilli red roof, it not only looked like a menace but sounded like one too, popping and backfiring between gear shifts as the exhaust cans heated up.

Turn-in was sharper, feedback was crisper and acceleration was significantly better, giving the dark little hot hatch an impressive turn of speed. Screeching across the smooth concrete of the aircraft hangar, the MINI JCW made a hell of racket but was so exceedingly quick it was one of those "just one more go" situations.

We also tested the updated MINI range on public roads, where the improved interior ergonomics made audio manipulation a lot easier for the passenger. Other than that -- and slightly different-looking fan controls -- the cars don't feel any different to their predecessors, though they do look a little less 'toy like' with the changes made to the front end.

Is the MINI slowly turning into a responsible adult? Not yet... All the cars in the new MINI range retain their go-kart-like agility, and the turbodiesel and turbo petrol models had plenty of squirt. Out on the freeway the MINIs were well behaved, and even the top-spec JCW models were relatively quiet, with only mild levels of tyre and wind noise.

As we made our way along the Great Ocean Road and through the Otway Ranges, tracking through corner after corner, it became evident that the JCW models' firm damping and increased engine power gives them a significant edge over the lesser models, even the Cooper Ss. The flip side is that on rougher country roads you will get bounced around a bit and mid corner bumps and dips regularly upset the car's balance, requiring mid-corner corrections.

The MINI Cooper and Cooper S models have a (relatively) more compliant ride than the JCW models and would be better suited to everyday use, while the Cabrio is a relatively rigid model by virtue of its reinforced floor and doors.

All models are easy to park and the upright front and rear windscreens deliver good outward visibility, though the MINI Clubman's barn-style twin rear tailgate hinders rearward vision. It's not surprising that only one in 10 MINIs sold in Australia is a Clubman. Though we were also reminded of the better room the Clubman models offer, it has more shortcomings than its stablemates. Example, the Clubman door: still virtually useless thanks to its location on the driver's side. Who wants their passengers stepping out into traffic?

At the end of the day, MINI has improved the ergonomics and standard fitment levels of its entire range, somewhat justifying the modest price hikes, while at the same time retaining the things that attracted so many buyers to the brand in the first place.

Whether the adjustments to the MINI range will be enough to fend off concerted attacks from a growing number of European rivals remains to be seen, but as it stands the MINI is still an impressive premium small car.

For more details on the various MINI models, see these reviews:

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