MINI was never going to stray far from its winning formula, and the new iteration is only a subtle re-interpretation of its predecessor, designed to keep loyal customers while enticing new buyers in this wide-ranging segment of the car market.

And since the last model went on sale, a major premium competitor has launched, in the shape of the Audi A1, which has undoubtedly caught many people’s attention. Other rivals are far-spanning from the bestselling Ford Fiesta to the Citroen DS3 to the Alfa Romeo MiTo.

Despite its restrained revamp, the new MINI does look notably beefier, with growth in all directions. It is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than before, while the wheelbase has been extended by 28mm. This is sure to help interior space, especially for rear passengers, which has long been a bugbear of the car.

Most of all though this third-generation model brings the hatch up-to-date for technology and engine efficiency. The carmaker also promises improved driving dynamics and better sound insulation within the cabin.

MINI initially launched its Cooper versions of its latest Hatch, while the entry-level First and One have followed suit since.

Performance

We tested the four-cylinder Cooper S, which differs from its less powerful siblings, which all use three-cylinders. This 2.0-litre with 189bhp shares its engine with BMW while the remaining range, the Cooper and Cooper D, both use less powerful 1.5-litre powerplants with 136bhp and 116bhp respectively.

Until the John Cooper Works edition arrives later this year, the Cooper S enjoys the fastest-in-the-range title, hitting 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 146mph, developing 280Nn of torque from 1,250rpm.

That’s compared to the Cooper which achieves the benchmark sprint in 7.9 seconds and the Cooper D in 9.2 seconds.

The engine roars up from pressing a new mini lever-style start/stop switch in the middle console, and from go, the throttle response is evidently punchier than before, with swift acceleration from lower down the rev range than previously.

There are three driving modes selected on a switch at the base of the gear stick– Sport, standard and Eco, - and the first, as with all similar systems these days, tightens up the suspension and gives it a bit of kick, while also creating the engine and exhaust notes that create a hot hatch-like experience.

Ride and Handling

There’s definitely a thrill to throwing this relatively little car around corners, with light but accurate pointy steering and great grip.

MINI’s phrase ‘go-kart handling’ has been used to death over the years, but you can see its point. There’s definitely a thrill to throwing this relatively little car around corners, with light but accurate pointy steering and great grip. And even on the unfamiliar roads of Mallorca we tested on, there’s a sense of trust in this car. It means that even when chucked around twisty mountain roads, there’s a deep-rooted confidence that the car’s got you safely in its hold. Ride quality on MINI hatches are notoriously firm, and this remains a matter of contention here. But it’s more pleasant than before, handling small-town speed bumps better than expected.

Interior and Equipment

The very first ever incarnation of the MINI Cooper performed successfully as a rally car, winning the Monte Carlo Rally a few times in the 1960s.

A MINI interior is one of the things that make its cars instantly recognisable, and the brand has maintained the distinctive cabin design. Still, it’s been necessarily updated; what used to be the central circular speedometer is now a digital display. We tested the optional 8.8-inch colour screen which shows vehicle functions, infotainment and navigation, with control through a MINI Controller, which is found in the central console, just behind the gearstick. It’s still not the most intuitive set-up to use, but one minor yet major change is MINI’s decision to move the window-opening buttons to the doors – previously they were in the middle console, and despite numerous MINI test drives over the years, each time, you’d find yourself flustered trying to find their location. MINI has never been known for its well-specced entry-level models, and this has been addressed with extra standard equipment including an onboard computer, Bluetooth, front fog lamps and front seat ISOFIX. Other options available comprise two-zone air con, heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, rain sensor, Park Distance control and sports leather steering wheel. Technology making its brand debut on the hatch includes a Heads-Up Display, already becoming familiar in sister brand BMW’s models, which shows information such as speed in an extendable monitor at the bottom of the windscreen, so in direct eyeline of the driver. There’s also the Driving Assistant option, a camera-based cruise control and distance control function which automatically maintains a pre-determined distance from the vehicle ahead. That aforementioned increase on overall size and wheelbase helps space inside the car, including more shoulder space and larger footwells, thanks to 19mm of extra rear legroom and an added 12mm of front headroom. MINI has made life easier for everyone with a wider adjustment range for front seats, which are also 23mm longer, intended to improve comfort and support. Boot space is up by around a third, to 211 litres, which is still less than rivals such as the Audi A1 with 270 litres and the Ford Fiesta with 276 litres. There’s also an optional storage package that includes a handy luggage compartment under the boot floor which can be locked into place at various points for added functionality.

Cost

MINI’s residual values are typically brilliant, so resale capability should be high for any of these models.

At £16,450, the Cooper D is the most wallet-friendly of the bunch offering official fuel economy of 80.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 92g/km. The standard Cooper costs £15,300 and emits 105g with 74.3mpg. The Cooper S achieves claimed figures of 49.6mpg and 133g/km and is most expensive at £18,650, around £400 more than the outgoing model. MINI’s residual values are typically brilliant, so resale capability should be high for any of these models.

Our Verdict

MINI’s tried-and-tested formula will continue to sell by the bucketload. While its biggest downfalls remain ride comfort and practicality, cheaper alternatives perform better in these two areas.  Still, there are massive improvements all round compared to the previous generation MINI Hatch. Still, it remains more expensive than many rivals but fans of this car are buying into the iconic British brand and styling above anything else. We haven’t driven the standard Cooper yet, but suspect this will be the wiser bet over the Cooper S, when you consider the cost savings of more than £3k versus a slower 0-62mph of just 0.9 seconds.