We review the Mini Cooper D from price to economy and all its features

Mini happy returns … Cooper D is better than ever

GOOD things come in small packages and they don't come much better than the new MINI Cooper D.

It's a hugely brilliant little car that is now in its third generation and better than ever.

6

It's still instantly recognisable as a MINI but a new car from the ground up with every component tweaked for performance and style.

So much so BMW are calling it 'The New Original' and after seven wonderful days behind the wheel, the car that coined the term supermini is exactly what it is — Super.

It may not look it from outside, or from inside, but it's bigger, 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than its predecessor.

6

Superb styling … maintains cute Mini looks

Other exterior tweaks are fancy new front LED lights, superb at night, illuminating far into the distance with both the dipped and full beams operating in LED. The rear lights are LED too and now feature a new upright cluster.

There are five new exterior colours to choose from and you can customize your MINI further with contrasting black or white mirror caps or bonnet stripes.

But it's the interior that sees the biggest upmarket change with premium quality materials and fittings throughout the cabin.

Apparently there is more room inside too, with greater space for four adults including enhanced shoulder space and larger footwells and a 30 per cent bigger boot with 211-litres of space plus an optional storage package that includes a luggage compartment floor that can be locked into place at various points.

6

Supermini superhero … our man Darren loves the Cooper D

The rear seat backrest features tiltangle adjustment. But even for mini me, it's a bit cramped inside but who buys a MINI as load-lugger.

The large central speedo is gone replaced by an 8.8" screen that houses all the infotainment. The speedo now shifts to a more traditional position in front of the steering wheel, flanked by a rev counter and fuel gauge meter. I much prefer the speedo in its new position; I never really warmed to the large retro speedometer slap bang in the middle of the dashboard.

This latest MINI sees the biggest influence from BMW as you now have an iDrive rotary control system for accessing the audio, Sat Nav and all the other controls.

MINI has more Supermini action heroes than a DC comic book

The iDrive is a great addition but it's hard to access if you're using the armrest, you have to twist your arm back at an awkward angle to hit some of the buttons.

The central dial is now the main feature of the cockpit and as well as offering funky new modern graphics the circumference of the dial changes colours as you interact with the MINI.

It kind of reminds me of a large Simple Simon kids' game console, popular in the 70s and 80s. Adjust your temperature control and the dial glows red and blue, drive fast its red, lift off the gas it glows orange and drive like Miss Daisy and its green all the way.

6

Fun factor … sleek and stylish interior

The interactive colours really connect you to the car, adding to the fun factor.

Find some twisty open roads and this little road-going go-kart will put a smile on your face.

My MINI test car was the Cooper D so you don't need to be a brain surgeon to work out the D stands for diesel. Under the bonnet was a 1.5-litre, three cylinder diesel engine that produces 116bhp with 270Nms of torque at 1,750rpm.

more motors

impressive, plush and spacious

We review the Mini Clubman from price to economy and all its features

bigger, better mini cooper

We review the Mini Cooper Countryman from price to economy and all its features

expensive, classy, invincible

We review the Mercedes S500 Coupe from price to economy and all its features

big grille with sweeping headlights

We review the DS Divine (from Citroen) from price to economy and all its features

It a pretty nippy power plant and the three-cylinder omits a nice raspy note but the 5,000rpm is limited especially in first and second gear. But what the diesel lacks in revs it makes up for in torque.

There is a huge surge of power in any gear and 0-62mph is dispatched in only 9.2seconds with a top speed of 127mph.

6

Money-saver… economic diesel engine

A new addition is MINI Driving Modes, an optional extra but thankfully fitted to my car. Using a rotary switch at the base of the gearstick a flick of the switch offers modes GREEN, MID or SPORT.

Pretty self-explanatory but you can guess my favourite, SPORT, of course.

This adds weight to the steering and sharpens the throttle response and with a throbbing red dashboard glowing to your left you are raring to go.

The grip is unbelievable and with traction control off the mild understeer is easily controlled and enjoyable even in the wet plus the slick six-speed manual offers short, fast gear changes.

6

Go-kart fun … race car handling and precision

Suspension is reasonably firm so you feel the road, not only through the steering wheel but through your butt too — this adds to go-kart experience.

But along with fun factor, the Cooper D is superbly economical — with a claimed 80.7mpg and only 92g/kms of emissions, it's an eco-warrior too.

My fuel economy figures ranged from 50-60mpg but I blame that on having too much fun.

The MINI Cooper D is superb but with a huge line-up in their range, MINI has more Supermini action heroes than a DC comic book.