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In terms of styling there hasn’t been a dramatic departure from its predecessor, which is no surprise considering how much of a hit it was. As with all Minis, you can customise your model with larger wheels, body artwork and even racing stripes.
Such options are expensive, but well worth it. On the outside all is good except that Mini has carried over the plastic wheel arches from the previous model which is a disappointment and doesn’t live up to Mini claims of premium quality.
The interior is as funky and up-to-date as you could imagine. It's centred on a huge Speedo which many of you will love or hate. The rest of the cabin is full of nice touches such as the switches used to operate the electric windows and the sole rev instrument placed behind the steering wheel. Put all of these interior details together and you will understand the car's premium feel and comfort. For a car of this price though there are more interior plastics that I would have liked. However, their positioning and styling keeps me convinced that this is a brilliant interior.
Once on the road, the Mini feels sturdy and well built. Comfort is good and the handling is exceptional. In comparison to most superminis (except perhaps the new Fiesta), you simply cannot find a car with more road grip. Even at the car's limit, you will be surprised at how well it will hold on.
The gearbox is notchy and solid, just the way a gearbox should be. Unconventionally, Mini has fitted the One with a six speed gearbox, something uncommon for a small 1.4 engine producing only 94bhp. This means that the One can achieve a very respectable 53mpg on a combined cycle and makes motorway cruising an ease, something that other small engine superminis struggle to replicate.
The model I drove was riddled with electrical faults. For example the speedo didn’t work, and warning lights and 'dongs' telling me that I didn’t have my seat belt on got increasingly frustrating. Even so I was assured by the Mini employee that these were simply faults due to the car being stood still for a long period of time, which could be corrected by restarting the engine's computer. I was sceptical considering there was fresh mud splattered on the side of the car.
With the exception of the ‘minor’ mishap with the electrics, the Mini One is a brilliant car.
Even though it stretches the limits of what a student or a graduate could afford, it is really important to remember that all cars in the mini range retain their value extremely well. This means that the money you do invest, (credit crunch pending) is safely secured in the car.
The One offers an entry level premium small car, a thoroughly engaging drive and plenty of emotional magnetism. Though if you fancy something with more ‘go’ and further options try upgrading to a Cooper or the Fiesta Zetec S.
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