Category Archives: Supermini

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

Ford, Supermini

Party time with sporty Fiesta

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Ford Fiesta

By Bill McCarthy

There is a very good reason why the Fiesta regularly has been Britain’s top selling car. That reason stretches right back to the very early days of the British icon which was introduced in 1976. 

Just a few years ago, I owned a 1980 version and it was still running well when I sold it on to an enthusiast.

The Fiesta has that longevity for a reason. It is a car to suit most pockets, from the relatively cheap base model at around £16.5k right up to the range topper at prices beyond £25k. It has proved reliable, practical, economical and a cracking drive.

The latest version is no different, with ever more eye-catching styling, good standard levels of equipment and, in this case, embracing the latest mild hybrid technology.

It featuresl sharp angles with ST Line bodykit features, rear privacy glass, smart projector headlights and fog lamps with cornering lights. The powered door mirrors also feature smart puddle lights.

The ST-Line is a stylish car, offering the sporty styling more akin to the brutal ST, but toned down performance from a still lively three cylinder petrol engine. 

It still delivers pleasing performance, with the signature rasp of the three pot giving a pleasing sound under acceleration.

It is no slouch. The 125PS unit propels the car to 60mph in under 10 seconds and delivers excellent fuel economy, with a claimed range of between 45 and 62mpg according to WLTP figures.

The turbocharged one litre engine is assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which features a small lithium-ion battery pack and a belt-driven integrated starter-generator, which adds an extra 20Nm of torque and helps mitigate turbo lag.

The electric motor is fitted alongside an energy recovery system on the brakes which can then be redeployed to assist the petrol engine or provide assistance to electrical systems.

It may lack the brutal performance of its more powerful sibling, but in true Fiesta style, the handling is excellent and ride is firm, thanks to the sports tuned suspension which keeps the car clinging, limpet-like to the road, even with rapid cornering.

The interior too looks upmarket and maintains the sporty look. The centrepiece is an eight‑inch colour touchscreen that can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures and controls function like navigation, infotainment and smartphone connectivity with screen mirroring.

The flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel offers other control options and the layout is unfussy and intuitive.

Interior fixtures and fittings are typically well put together and feel sturdy, while the optional pop-out door guards are another neat feature.

Other features include a centre console with illuminated cupholders, sports pedals, starter button and two USB connectors.

This model will set you back more than £21k, but has plenty of standard kit, including parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, auto dim mirror, seven-speaker sound system and heated windscreen.

On the road, the car feels brisk and with a little help from the hybrid technology’s hits 60 seconds in just 9.4 seconds. It is mated to a typically slick Ford six-speed box, although the high-riding clutch took a while to get used to.

It is the handling that gives this car the edge of most of its rivals. The steering is instantly responsive and it feels totally stable even when cornering at high speeds.

To aid this it includes stability control, together with a host of other safety features, including full complement of airbags, lane keeping alert and aid, speed limiter, auto headlamps and hill start assist.

In practical terms, boot space is decent and increases with the split folding  rear seats. This takes capacity from a basic 292 litres up to 1,093 litres.

Forty-five years and still going strong. You can see why.

Factfile

Ford Fiesta ST-Line Edition

Price: £21,160

Mechanical: 125bhp, 998cc, 3cyl petrol engine mild hybrid, driving front wheels via six speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 126 mph 

0-62mph: 9.4 secs 

Combined mpg: 45-62 (WlTP)

Insurance group: 13  

CO2 emissions: 117 g/km 

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles