We drive a Mini Hardtop 5-door

The Mini Hardtop 4-door is positioned to compete with the class leading Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3. It surely does have a tough gig if it wants to lure those buyers away.

The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is our favorite engine option. It has the lowest running costs and is the most flexible base engine Mini has ever offered. The top of the range 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the Cooper S pumps out 189hp. We’ve driven the Cooper engine in the Hardtop 3-door but hadn’t had the opportunity to drive the Cooper S. Luckily for us we were able to test drive the Cooper S in the Hardtop 4-door and found it to be very joyous to drive. The turbo engine provides the flexibility that you’d desire from the Cooper S while the running costs remain within reason. Steering feedback is communicative and the suspension copes well with most bumps and imperfections. We wouldn’t bother with the standard suspension and just jump right into the sports suspension configuration. It may have a firmer ride but the handling is so fantastic that we can overlook the firmness. It’s not unbearable like some Mercedes AMG trims and it manages to out handle them as well.

The Cooper S is a hoot to drive and there is not a dull moment behind the wheel of this car. It’s not the vehicle for those who are not seeking to be different as the styling stands out in a crowded parking lot. At least the Mini is far more interesting than many small cars. The Countryman for the longest was the only way you could get a Mini with 5-doors. This Mini offers the five-door practicality but the rear seat isn’t even close to being as roomy as the Volkswagen Golf or Mazda 3. You’ll forgive it though because the driving dynamics are superb. The dash board is funky looking but the menus and controls are fiddly to use. We wouldn’t mind a more conventional looking dash, while it is distinct and we love distinct. The user friendly factors are not even there and it’s a little disappointing because we were hoping Mini would’ve had this all sorted out. The boot is okay in space.

Our tester car came equipped with technology package, six-speed auto gearbox and heated front seats. Keyless start, Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile device and a premium sound system were also added. The Cooper S had nearly $7k worth of extra kit added which pushed the price close to $34k before a $3k discount was applied. We know that Minis tend to hold their value as well as BMW but a small car with this price tag makes it a very expensive proposition.

The Mini Hardtop 4-door doesn’t seem like a logical choice unless you are buying this with your heart and not your head. We enjoyed driving it around and loved how fast it was. What we loathe is the fact that it costs an arm and a leg to get one that is considered desirable and also Mini tends to be very stingy with standard kit. You’ll want this because it’s different and we agree with your decision but we just think that there are better options out there that are cheaper and have better reliability record.

Likes: It’s a hoot to drive and won’t hurt the wallet thanks to low running costs. A conventional 5-door hatchback that’ s not a crossover. It’s the most distinct car on the road and has the highest residual value of any small car.

Dislikes: Mini reliability record is iffy. The interior while it is funky to look at is not very user friendly. The price skyrockets when you add on the options.

What we'd like to see (part two)

Mazda Speed 3 (Please!)

Mazda has confirmed that the 2.5-turbo four-cylinder from the CX-9 can fit in practically fit in the Mazda6 and Mazda3. With that being said, it would be pretty cool to see this engine optional through out the range. Which means that a Speed 3 could be make a much wanted comeback seeing that there's a lot of competition from the Focus ST/RS and Honda Civic SI/Type-R. We're just saying Mazda, if Honda is making cool cars again with the new high performance versions of the Civic. The Mazda 3 needs to step its game up with the Speed 3 variant pushing between 250 to 300hp would be ideal.

Note: The Mazda 6 will get the 2.5-turbo engine with its refresh for 2019. Also, the CX-5 is going to get a turbo-diesel engine option. 

Kia Optima (wagon or lifted-crossover-like-wagon)

We know we sound like a broken record but we thoroughly enjoyed the Kia Optima Wagon that we drove while overseas. What we loathe the most is that diesel engine, it had the torque which made it feel lively around town but it loses steam quite quickly and is not very refined. With that being said, Kia should bring the Optima here in either the wagon form or lifted-crossover-like-wagon to compete with the Subaru Outback. It would be nice to see this stylish wagon brought to our shores with all three engine options and standard all-wheel-drive. We'd spend our money on a Kia Optima crossover wagon if offered.



Mini 3-door Hardtop (Cooper SD)

We know that diesel engines get bad rep here and it would be particularly expensive to bring one here. However, it still doesn't mean we can't wish for one. The 2-liter diesel from the 3-series could be placed in Minis line-up and offer a relatively inexpensive diesel engine option for our shores. It would be quite interesting to see Mini offer such an engine here, especially since Volkswagen no longer sells TDI engines here.



Smart Forfour

Smart has discontinued the 1-liter turbo three-cylinder from the Fortwo Range due to low sales. You can still buy a Fortwo but only EV (electric vehicle) configuration. What we find even more interesting is that Smart isn't selling the larger Forfour here. It would be nice to see a four seat version of Smart sold here, however the price tag would be way too expensive for most tastes and that 0.9 turbo engine is very laggy and tricky to drive. Mini has the market almost to its self at this point, mainly due to BMW origins so it has the classy image and driving dynamics that Mini is known for. The Forfour has the quirky charm but won't translate well here in the US but it would still be nice to see this little hatch here on our shores.

(Used) Devon test drives a Mini

Likes: Fantastic handling, distinct styling, more fun to drive than most small cars, peppy range of engines.

Dislikes: Options send price sky high, boot space is limited, some controls are confusing to operate.

Performance: There's three engines available with the Cooper. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 120hp, and two turbocharged 1.6-liter engines with 181hp and 208hp. The pick of the bunch is the 1.6-liter 120hp engine. Its not the most powerful of the bunch, but it offers a good blend of value and fuel economy.

Ride & Handling: Whichever version you go for, the Mini is tons of fun to drive. It's great on twisty roads and thanks to the go-kart handling and well weighted steering. Around town the Mini is easy to drive, there's a firm ride but its never choppy or uncomfortable.

Refinement: There's a bit of wind noise at highway speeds. The Mini also lets in a bit too much road noise than desired, but its never intrusive. The petrol engines are smooth and well refined, even when worked hard. The gearshift is slick, but the reverse gear is too easily selected when shifting to first.

Behind the wheel: Driver's will get comfy with a wide range of adjustments for both the steering wheel and seat. The dash is a bit too busy, with the large central speedo and awkwardly placed stereo and heater controls. The retro toggle switches put style above ease of use.

Space & Practicality: There's plenty of headroom and legroom for those in the front. Rear passengers have so-so head and legroom. The door opening is low and narrow, this makes getting in and out of the Mini a chore. The boot is small, but the seats fold 50/50 for more space.

Equipment: The Cooper comes well equipped for the money. Air-conditioning, push button start, electric windows, mirrors and central locking are all standard. The Cooper S adds sporty bodywork and sports seats. However, the options list is extensive but you may want to watch what you select. A few too many options will sent the price sky high.

Buying & Owning: It's not cheap, and don't even think about discounts! However, the Mini holds on to your investments well. No other car in its class holds its value as well. Your fuel bills will be decent, and a warranty to cover oil changes and other maintenance is offered standard.

Quality & Reliability: The Mini has a premium image, with many parts and trim looking the part. The Mini has scored well in customer satisfaction surveys done by JD Power. Reliability should prove dependable.

Safety & Security: The Mini has a five-star safety rating on all models. Every trim has side curtian airbags and ISOFIX child seat mountings, and importantly ESP is standard across the range. The Mini has most security parts that make BMWs hard to steal.

It's retro, with a splash of sport and performance. You get a road hugging small car that holds its value well. It's no wonder the Mini is the best selling small car in the U.S. Stay clear of the options list, and you'll have a great valued small car well worth the money.

Devon's Coverage of the Auto Show (Part One)

Scion IQ
Likes: Clever engineering, small size is great for crowded city life, advanced safety features.
Dislikes: Looks like a toy car, rear seat almost a joke, tiny cargo area.
Overall: A step up from the Smart Fortwo, but not by much.












Ford Fiesta
Likes: Very upscale interior, roomy front seats, roomy cargo area, plenty of options to make your Fiesta feel unique.
Dislikes: Can get quite expensive, needs a more power to match sporty looks, rear seat space is rather cramped, no center arm rest.
Overall: Finally a small car from Ford that isn't embarrasing to own.




Mini Countryman
Likes: Still looks like a Mini inside out, extra room for four people, plenty of cargo space as well.
Dislikes: Mini Coopers aren't supposed to be this big!! Price can get high quickly.
Overall: A Mini Cooper with real people space.


Chevy Volt
Likes: High tech electric car, incredible gas mileage, futuristic looking interior decor.
Dislikes: $40,000 price tag.
Overall: Chevy has a winner on its hands. But can it live up to the expectations of the penny pinchers?

Nissan Leaf
Likes: An all-electric car that can be purchased, virtually no exhaust emissions, can be a reasonable second car.

Dislikes: Not very practical if you live more than 70 miles,  or depend on street parking rather than garage, too expensive and impractical for a second car.

Overall: Just like any other car, except no gasoline required.




Fiat 500
Likes: Retro styling, classy upscale interior, lighter and quicker than a base Mini Cooper.
Dislikes: Not all that practical, Italian quality reputation, where's the twinair turbo?
Overall: The turbo version should've been offered first.

Devon M