Mini Cooper review and test drive

he Mini is finally coming to India. However, we have been living with its legacy ever since the first Maruti 800. Most small cars even today are front-wheel-drive with transversely mounted, water-cooled engines, a configuration popularised by the first Mini designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1959. This configuration enabled the car to achieve truly micro-car exterior dimensions along with a surprising amount of usable space inside. The car was affordable, stylish, fun to drive and easy to park anywhere. It quickly achieved cult status across the world.

he 122bhp petrol motor provides enough of a kick for most folks. But it isn’t the muscle under its hood that’s the Mini’s selling point. It’s the car’s agility. The steering is accurate and nicely weighted. The shift is precise and light. Body control is excellent and it changes direction keenly. Even the pedals bleed precision. Point it toward a serpentine road and you will be amply rewarded. It’s like a go-kart for adults. The downside is a rather firm ride, but that’s the price you pay for the Mini’s thrilling handling.

 Now if you want even more style, get the convertible with the retractable roof. It’s not a hard-top but rather a conventional cloth unit, and it’s a clever little arrangement. Press the switch and the roof slides back 45cm to give a large sunroof-like opening. Press the switch again and the ‘Z-roof’ unlatches and scissors up and back to fold neatly behind the rear seats in 15 seconds. The downside is that rear visibility with the top down is very poor since it stacks up rather high. With the top up, it’s even worse.
by autocar