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The new MINI isn't small, but it's still racy

The MINI has long endeared itself to those who make this car their own. The little British run-around was so popular after its launch in 1959, that a number of other derivatives were introduced that would not require MINI lovers to exit the brand when their space requirements increased.  

A cool, cult car it was and still is, but first production MINIs were real rattle-traps and, having little cabin insulation, were pretty noisy. Not that that worried MINI lovers. They were, after all, such fun, quirky little cars to drive.  

Rattles and noise are a thing of the past and now within the fold of the German car manufacturer BMW, the build-quality on both the Convertible and Clubman is masterful. 

The MINI Cooper Convertible

The only premium convertible in the small car segment, the 2-door convertible is the quintessential MINI for members of the MINI cult club and open-top driving enthusiasts. 

The little car looks smashing and is sure to get many an envious look, sporting classic MINI design features that include circular headlamps, with chrome surrounds and hexagonal radiator grille.

It’s a good size larger than the revered original, but BMW has not deviated much from the original heritage, retaining the fundamental character that makes MINI so much of a cult car. 

Just about everything in the sporty well-appointed cabin gets the green light, though a slightly smaller steering wheel might lend more cachet.

Seating ergonomics are top notch, the cabin is roomier than its predecessor and, while it is a two-seater with the soft-top down, it can accommodate four with the top up.  

Sporty-inspired circular instrumentation with optional LED lighting display and a central instrument screen mark the well-appointed cockpit with its high-quality materials.

Complete connected in-car infotainment, Head-Up Display, Parking and Driving assistant with camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning form some of the standard features. 

The MINI Convertible drives like a premium, sporty, open-top; far, far more refined than early MINIs, but still fun. The car handles well through the turns, the stiff suspension providing plenty of road feel and greater driver involvement. And there is less flex than one might expect from an open-top.  

Performance, while nippy enough in sports mode, can feel a bit sluggish in comfort and mid modes especially on steeper inclines. But, this is excuse enough to use the flappy paddles and downshift.  

Getting the top down is quick and seamless – a fully automated 18 seconds – but the elevated position of the roof when folded together with the low, sporty driving position do have downsides; the rear view is almost completely obscured, unless being able to see the sky counts. 

That said, it is a cracking little car and whatever foibles mentioned really don’t detract from what most consumers require from this car. A funky, small luxury convertible that is fun to drive and gives them the cool status they crave. 

The MINI Clubman Cooper S

The MINI Clubman estate, with its famous split doors, joined its smaller and more cult-like sibling in 1969. Launched to accommodate those that required more of a utilitarian vehicle, today the MINI Clubman has evolved from that somewhat smaller estate to one that is wider, longer and altogether bigger than its predecessor. And those split doors have been retained as part of the Clubman’s heritage. 

Split doors imply a split personality. Something the Clubman has because, while it still retains the funkiness of the brand that is so appealing to the footloose and fancy-free, it also caters to the needs of a small family.  

Much of what has been said about the convertible holds true for the 6-door Clubman. The exceptions are of course that this wide, low-slung and attractive mini wagon is better noise-insulated and substantially bigger, able to seat four adults with impressive comfort.

Or even five, if the three in the rear are small. And of course, being an estate with its easy access split doors, there is room in the boot for luggage…or the family pooch. The door joinery of the split doors though does inhibit views out the rear to some degree. 

Offered as a 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder petrol variant, the longer wheelbase of the Clubman gives a very planted drive. The 4-cylinder Cooper S engine copes admirably with the added weight and size of the Clubman offering enhanced dynamism and reduced falter at low revs than the 3-cylinder engine.

Exhaust note, less audible in the 3-cylinder convertible tested, is somewhat more respectable in the Cooper S Clubman. 

The Clubman is more practical and sensible than its smaller sibling; less playful perhaps, but with enough funkiness to feel that you are in a MINI. It may be all grown up, but it’s a MINI and that, together with its quirkiness, has enduring appeal. 

This article originally appeared in the 7 April edition of finweek. Buy and download the magazine here

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