New mini, new era! (BMW Mini One)

Member Name: cornishboy

Product:	BMW Mini One
Date:	18/07/01 (1342 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Classic charm, stylish, lots of optional features, excellent handling

Disadvantages: May be too expensive for some

It has finally arrived. The return of the classic and probably most lovable car of its generation, the mini.

Launched on July 7th, it is the first small car to be made by german giants BMW. Those of you that have been sceptical about the re-birth of a british icon being made by a German manufacturer shouldn't be. Yes it is different to the original mini but you would expect it to be. We now live in the 21st century, not the 1960's! What remains however, is the classic mini lines and the personality that made is so likeable in the first place. It is fundamentally new mini!

What makes me the expert I hear you cry? Well I have just driven one and what an experience it was. The Mini Cooper I drove was the most fun Ive had in a car for a long time. The handling was fantastic and although not that quick at the moment (0-60 injust over 9 seconds) its still a lot of fun.

As for the exterior, you can tell its a mini immediately, not least by the classic colour schemes that are available. The one I drove was red with a white roof and white alloy wheels, looking like it could have come from a re-make of the Italian job. The interior is where the Mini is very different to the original. Gone are the minimalist controls which are replaced by a retro designed console, with lots of added benefits such as airbags, electric windows and even satelite navigation (as an optional extra. The central speedomater has remained and there is infinately more room for the taller driver (Im 6ft plus and didnt have a problem). Boot space remains restrictive but at least now you can put the back seats down if you need to get your suitcases in.

All in all, the mini has been brought bang up-to-date by BMW without losing the classic charm thats its always had. And with a Cooper S due next year with a 0-60 of around 7 seconds, the golf GTI had better watch out!

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