Inside it’s all change for the new Mini, and invariably for the better. The seats are larger and more comfortable, and the driving position much-improved. The central speedometer gives the cabin its focus, but our testers found it redundant when faced with the digital speed readout below the rev counter. It also bulges upwards out of the dash, amplifying the feeling that this is one small car that isn’t so small any more. Nevertheless, it still trounces other small cars for showroom appeal. The new centre console is attractive, while the majority of plastics give a suitably premium feel.
The doors close with a thunk, and the cabin exudes a tightness that makes it seem likely it’ll resist the onset of rattles better than the old car. Pity about the oversized standard two-spoke steering wheel and the miserable headlights, which deserve no place on a car with this level of performance. The £460 bi-xenon headlamps are a must.
Despite the increase in the Mini’s exterior dimensions, it is still barely more than a 2+2. And the boot has only an additional 10 litres over the old car's, so it’s desperately small.
With greatly improved fuel economy (we averaged 29.8mpg, well beyond the 25.6mpg of the old car), and reduced emissions (164g/km, down from 202g/km), not to mention peerless residuals in the class, the new Mini makes a convincing case for purchase. But look more closely at the pricing and it’s easy to let the cost soar. The base car is £15,995, but to that you’d want to add the £1875 Chili pack, which cuts a deal on items such as part-leather upholstery, a three-spoke wheel and air conditioning (yes, it’s extra) among others. Add to this the sought-after TLC servicing deal (£150), metallic paint (£280) and xenon lights and you’ve got a decently equipped (but hardly over-the-top) Cooper S for £18,760.