Category Archives: Performance

MINI, Motoring, Performance, Supermini

Sporty MINI Cooper just gets better

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Mini Cooper S Exclusive 5-door

By Bill McCarthy

The MINI Cooper remains an iconic brand, a world away from the original Alec Issigonis-designed Minis of the mid-60s, which became a cultural icon. However, it still brilliantly leverages its 1960s heritage and updates it with modern technology and style.

Not cheap, but still aspirational, it comes in many forms: from the huge (relatively) Countryman for family practicality, to the iconic Cooper, with the extra driving appeal that harks back to its rally success and winning the Monte Carlo Rally three times.

So what’s new?

There are three versions – Classic, Sport and the Exclusive driven here – with a pricey, but not outrageous, sub-£30k starting price. Then there are the optional extras…

Following hard on the heels of the latest three-door model, this latest five-door S Exclusive offers more interior space and innovative technology while retaining the brand’s fantastic handling.

The extra doors transform it from a niche vehicle into a usable everyday car. With sharp performance and a high-end interior, the five-door is now more practical without losing its charm and desirability.

Bigger and more dynamic

This model features a wheelbase that is 72mm longer than the three-door version. This important change results in more legroom and greater comfort for rear passengers.

Iconic design for the 21st century

The model retains the iconic MINI silhouette, characterised by its short overhangs, long wheelbase, and large wheels. It retains the familiar round headlights and an octagonal grille, while the rear features clean surfaces and flush-fitting twinkling, patterned taillights. This helps deliver the Mini uniqueness.

High tech immersive interior

The cabin represents a significant leap forward, dominated by a familiar but updated 24cm, dinner-plate-sized circular OLED display that runs the MINI Operating System 9.

All major vehicle functions like infotainment, connectivity, and navigation are controlled via this touchscreen or by using the voice-activated “Hey MINI” Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The screen also features a myriad of secondary controls allowing targeted personalisation of the vehicle’s performance, including features like a dash cam.

An optional head-up display projects key information directly into the driver’s line of sight, minimising distraction.

For sustainability, the dashboard is made from recycled polyester using a special knitting method, and the car features the colourful MINI Experience Modes. The driver picks one of seven modes to alter the screen display to create a relaxed ambience.

On the road

This Exclusive model features a 204 bhp four-cylinder engine and atuo transmission. It hits 62 mph in 6.8 seconds. Quick, yes, but many EVs are quicker, though they lack the growl of the two-litre engine under acceleration and the sheer driving pleasure. Economy is decent as well, with a claimed 44.5mpg seeming pretty close to the mark.

The suspension and damping are tuned to offer both comfort and agile handling, making every drive feel composed and responsive. This is complemented by precise steering and powerful brakes.

The result is the quintessential Mini experience – engaging and surefooted, with a satisfying engine note and a trademark grip that makes navigating winding country roads a delight.

Practicality and safety

The five-door design enhances everyday usability. Two additional doors provide easy access to the rear seats, and the 278-litre boot – expandable to 941 litres with the seats folded – feels more spacious than it is.

This practicality is complemented by safety features, including a full suite of airbags, collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure assist.

Are the options worth it?

This model comes packed with nearly £6k worth of options. Are they worth it, or is the standard car more than enough?

The Level 3 Pack is ideal for tech-savvy drivers or frequent commuters who will regularly use advanced driver aids, premium audio, and comfort features.

Overall, these options may be worth it if you value a fully-loaded, high-tech driving experience and intend to use the features. They may also enhance the car’s resale value.

Factfile

  • MINI Cooper S Exclusive Auto
  • Price: £31,465 (37,065 as tested)
  • Mechanical: 1998cc, 201bhp four cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via seven-speed auto transmission
  • Max speed: 150mph
  • 0-62mph: 6.5 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 44.8 WLTP
  • CO2 emissions: 143g/km
  • BiK rating: 37%
  • Insurance group: 25
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

BMW, Executive saloon, Performance

A wolf in not quite sheep’s clothing

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BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé

By Bill McCarthy

To describe this BMW as a wolf in sheep’s clothing might be a bit misleading. At first glance, this second-generation model’s sleek, elegant, compact lines scream executive car, but styling cues give it away. 

The performance M branding, coloured brake calipers, larger air scoops, lowered suspension, bespoke alloys, and slim iconic kidney grille all point to sporting prowess – as do features like the quad exhaust tailpipes, smart rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. It looks the part and beneath the bonnet lurks a 300bhp beast that delivers stunning performance.

The evolving larger kidney grille size on some BMW models over the years has sparked debate and polarised opinion. For me, this slimmer, shallower style gets it right and is instantly recognisable.

Sporty-looking it certainly is, but conversely, this performance machine is a comfortable four-seater. Despite its rip-roaring performance, it’s more than adequate around town, and its compact size doesn’t compromise practicality – it even offers a reasonably sized boot. So, you get peak performance and everyday usability.

The two-litre, four-cylinder power unit may lack the snarl of a V6, but the 302bhp on tap delivers performance that edges close to supercar territory. The sprint to 60mph, delivered via the latest Steptronic transmission, takes just 4.7 seconds, also supported by BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Despite the performance, economy is reasonable with up to 37mpg, although high emissions mean business users face a hefty benefit in kind tax.

Hit the Sport option, and the engine sound enhancement delivers the spitting, backfiring notes associated with performance cars. The performance is genuine – and impressive

Inside, the cabin is pure premium quality, with leather-bound sports seats, soft-touch trim finishes, and brushed aluminium. The M branded multifunction steering wheel also features paddle shifters for a more engaging drive, while the whole of the interior feels solid and well put together. Neat touches like selectable ambient lighting create a relaxing experience for occupants.

At the heart of the car is a high-resolution curved display, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster controlling smartphone connectivity, infotainment, navigation, and various apps with a 10.7-inch central touchscreen for real-time driver information. 


Like many hi-tech systems, it can take time to master, and I found it slightly confusing at times – but the graphics are top-notch. It also features QuickSelect, enabling swift access to frequently used functions like climate adjustments or media controls, via touch or voice commands.

While the performance is electric, BMW’s enhanced xDrive system ensures this model grips like a limpet when pushed into corners. The steering is responsive and pin-sharp, with excellent driver feedback. Adaptive M suspension and the slip differential keeps the car stable, and the performance brakes haul you to a stop in very short order.

Practical and versatile – it’s not a hatchback – but its 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats allow long items like sports equipment to be transported while retaining passenger space.

The sloping nature of the coupe styling means head space is limited for rear passengers, but boot capacity is generous for most needs, offering 430 litres of storage, complemented by a wide opening for easy loading.

Fast and furious but safe as houses with a comprehensive list of active and passive safety measures and includes a full suite of  airbags, stability control and all wheel drive traction.

Also available are parking cameras and sensors, collision and lane departure warning.

Factfile

  • BMW M235 xDrive
  • Price: £45,945
  • Mechanical: 300PS, 1998 twin turbo petrol engine  driving all wheels via automatic transmission
  • Max Speed: 155mph
  • 0-62mph: 4.9 secs
  • Economy: 35-37mpg
  • Insurance Group: 31
  • C02 emissions: 175g/km
  • Bik rating: 37%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles