Introduction

The Mini Hatch is the modern original: the car that began the revival of an enduring 1960s British icon, albeit under different ownership and with a different brief. The modern Mini is much bigger and struggles to seat four in comfort, but it’s one of the most desirable small cars on the market, having more or less invented the idea of extensive personalisation.

Did you know? Well over three million Minis have been built since BMW relaunched the car as its own brand in 2001. 

Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | Pricing

Verdict: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (7/10)

The latest car is larger, with a longer wheelbase creating more interior space, but it’s not quite the riotous drive it once was. It has lost some of its dynamic sparkle in its growth-spurt, and the five-door doesn’t have such sweet proportions. That said, it’s still rich with character and personalisation options. It falls down on practicality and offers disappointing interior space for its size, but if budget is no problem it remains one of the most enjoyable superminis on sale.