2010 New MINI One Review
When first launched in 2001 the Oxford built MINI One was an instant success, so much of a success that you could forgive BMW if they just sat back and enjoyed the plaudits, but that's obviously not the way the German manufacturer works, with an all new face lifted MINI for 2007, BMW are obviously striving to keep the MINI ahead of all its rivals.
Inside the MINI One everything is just as you would expect, the retro feel of the interior fits the car exactly, the large centre mounted speedo obviously hark's back to Mini's of the past, the new unit though contains the fuel gauge and the radio, optional Sat Nav can also be housed in the Speedo unit. The new MINI One may have the retro feel but it also has a blend of up to date technology hidden just under the skin to give you the best of both worlds, anti lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering brake control, iGR brake energy regeneration, Radio MINI Boost with MP3-compatible CD player, power steering, six airbags, electric windows, electric wing mirrors, an electronic immobiliser and remote central locking are all fitted as standard.
The MINI One used to have a choice of either a petrol or diesel power plant, the turbo Diesel unit has now become part of the Cooper range and a new 1.4 version of the 1.6 litre engine used in the Cooper (developed in conjunction with Peugeot-Citroen) is now the only option in the MINI One. Producing 95 bhp at 6000 rpm the One accelerates from 0 - 62 mph in 10.9 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 115 mph, closing the performance gap that existed in the previous models.
It may not have the kudos of the Cooper or the Cooper S, but the new MINI One is now an excellent place to start your MINI adventure, it's a great all rounder and if you think driving should be done with a smile on your face then the MINI One is a fantastic place to start.
Like the looks of the MINI One why not check out the Ford Ka or the VW Beetle.
Finance your new MINI One on a PCP car loan work out your monthly payments using our Car Finance Payment Calculator.