MINI Versus Rivals

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Of course, BMW isn't the only manufacturer to have had a go at reinventing a motoring icon. Volkswagen's new Beetle has been around for three years now, and in entry-level 1.6-litre form can be yours for £12,380, making it the most expensive of our trio of test cars. So how does the new MINI Cooper size up to Ford's supermini and VW's reborn 'people's car'? The answer is very well indeed. The current Fiesta has been showing its age for some time, and is due be put out to pasture in 2002 when an all-new replacement arrives in the showrooms. The Zetec-S's more aggressive front spoiler, 15-inch alloys and side skirts do at least generate some visual impact, particularly when in the tasteful shade of blue sported by the car here. But there's no getting away from the fact that it's still a rather simplistic, boxy design. The Ford is also tiny, even by supermini standards.

The difference in size between the MINI and the blue oval offering shows just how people's expectations of small cars have changed over the years – small is a lot bigger than it used to be. The Beetle, however, practically dwarfs both rivals here. The VW's domed roofline means it stands high off the ground, and huge doors provide the only real visible feature on which to focus when looking from side-on. The podgy haunches that sit above the wheelarches stand quite proud of the cabin, giving the impression that the car is wider than it actually is. Whether you love it or loathe it the Beetle is a daring and uncompromising statement in terms of design – and that alone is enough to convince many people to part with the asking price.

To our mind though, it's the MINI that best walks the fine line between real style and self-indulgence. Much better in the flesh than even the best pre-launch photos had led us to believe, the Cooper is a car that just begs to be fussed over.

One of the MINI's more unusual features is its glass-covered pillars. With no visible load-bearing structures to break up the window line, the Cooper's white roof appears to hover above its body like a halo. The sloping, rounded front lights that flank the MINI emblem also give the car real character without straying too far into cute territory, while the pepper pot-style white alloy wheels nicely complement the classic red and white colour scheme. When jumping between the three cars, it's the Fiesta that's found wanting. The blue oval's switchgear feels archaic in comparison with its rivals, plus passenger and boot space are in very short supply.

Squeezing past the fixed steering wheel can also be a chore, although at least the seats prove supportive, if a little firm and narrow around the shoulders. The VW's cockpit, meanwhile, is a completely different proposition, with a vast dashboard, an airy atmosphere and wide, flat seats.

It's also immaculately screwed together and packed with eye-catching details such as a metal-spoked steering wheel and flower holder. And of this trio, it's the Beetle that has by far the most accessible boot. Surprisingly, though, the German machine offers no more usable room for rear passengers than the Fiesta, thanks mainly to the packaging compromises needed by that upturned-shell body shape. In this case, form very much takes precedence over function, and the result is an ergonomically flawed cabin – but one that has a feelgood factor all of its own. BMW drivers are used to high quality, of course, and anyone who buys a MINI won't be disappointed.

The interior panels fit flushly together and most of the controls have a well damped, weighty feel. But what really comes as a surprise is the sheer visual flair and imagination that's gone into its design. Like its legendary predecessor, this Cooper has a central speedo and rev counter behind the steering wheel, but features such as the aircraft-style toggle switches in the centre console and Flash Gordon-esque indicator stalks are quite brilliant. The MINI is the Bavarian firm's first attempt at front-wheel-drive, but such is its depth of ability that you'd never guess it. As you've read in our first test drive, the car has masses of driver appeal with precise steering, a sharp turn-in and impeccable stability in bends. It's also remarkably agile considering its weight and size. In the face of such talent, the under-sprung and overweight Beetle doesn't stand a chance.

Anything more than cruising pace shows up flaws in the VW's dynamic abilities, and sees the body pitching and rolling in fast bends. The car's vague steering needs constant adjustment during any hard cornering. The 102bhp 1.6-litre engine is also less than eager, propelling the vehicle to 60mph in 11.6 seconds. The unit feels flat and breathless when worked, although it loves long-distance cruises.

While the MINI has no problems seeing off the unashamedly unsporty VW, it's got a much tougher fight on its hands with the Fiesta. The diminutive Ford is one of our favourite hatchbacks of all time, delighting with its informative steering, unshakeable grip and chassis fluidity. The supermini is a cracking driver's car, involving and entertaining in a way that eclipses even BMW's new baby.

A large part of its appeal can be put down to its engine. The 101bhp 16-valve unit simply begs to be revved and responds to throttle inputs with enthusiasm. And despite the hatchback lagging behind the MINI in the 0-60mph sprint, with a time of 10.2 seconds compared to the BMW's 9.2, it's the Ford that delivers more thrills. However it's a close run thing.

But which of our three contenders emerges king in this contest? Certainly the odds are stacked against the new MINI given its rivals' dominance and presence in this class. Can it deliver in the face of such stiff opposition? See the Verdict panel at the end.

At-a-glance guide:

MINI Cooper
Price: £11,600
Engine: 1.6-litre 16v
Transmission: five speed man/fwd
Peak power: 115bhp
Peak torque: 149/4,500 NM/rpm
0-60mph (secs): 9.2
Top speed (mph): 125
Fuel economy (mpg): 42.2
Luggage space (litres): 160
Air-con/ABS/airbags: Option/yes/yes
User warranty: 3 year/60,000 miles (est.)

Fiesta Zetec-S
Price: £10,980
Engine: 1.6-litre 16v
Transmission: five speed man/fwd
Peak power: 101bhp
Peak torque: 140/4,000 NM/rpm
0-60mph (secs): 10.2
Top speed (mph): 11.3
Fuel economy (mpg): 38.7
Luggage space (litres): 250
Air-con/ABS/airbags: Option/yes/yes
User warranty: 3 year/60,000 miles

Volkswagen Beetle 1.6
Price: £12,380
Engine: 1.6-litre
Transmission: five speed man/fwd
Peak power: 102bhp
Peak torque: 148/3,800 Nm/rpm
0-60mph (secs): 11.6
Top speed (mph): 111
Fuel economy (mpg): 36.7
Luggage space (litres): 186
Air-con/ABS/airbags: Option/yes/yes
User warranty: 3 year/60,000 miles

Auto Express Verdict The hype is over and the new MINI now has to show its mettle against tough rivals. Great to look at and immaculately built, it's a car that boasts as much visual impact as VW's Beetle and the driver appeal of the Fiesta in equal measures. Only the sheer brilliance of the Ford hatchback's chassis marks the Zetec-S out as the better choice for motoring enjoyment, and the margin is narrower than we would have believed. If you have £11,600 that's burning a hole in your back pocket, a new MINI Cooper will be money very well spent.

This article copyrighted and courtesy of AutoExpress.

Mike Penny
Article Date: May 25, 2001
Car Accociations: NEW_MINI,
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