Since then, Mini has enjoyed huge success, even more so after BMW bought the naming rights and established the Mini brand in the early 2000s.

Having re-established the brand’s model line-up and positioning, BMW is now able to focus on making the Mini better than ever, which it did by unveiling the revised model back in January. Now available on local soil, I had the opportunity to get the behind the wheel during the model’s recent launch in Cape Town. 

The looks

Whereas the original Mini was simple and small, the BMW iterations have been the opposite, yet without losing the spirit and character that made Alec Issigonis’ creation an instant icon.

This new model not only enhances that cheeky character, but also highlights the fact that it is still very much a British car. Take the new rear taillights for example, which feature a Union Jack design that illuminates when the lights are on. The rest of the changes are small and consists of new, Matrix headlights with optional full LEDs, new alloy wheels and a restyled Mini corporate logo.

Cooper vs. Cooper S

As before, the Mini Cooper is the people’s Mini while the Cooper S is for those who what to go everywhere fast. The Cooper features subtle sporty elements with iconic MINI design elements. The S model builds on that with larger wheels, sportier more aggressive bumpers, a larger roof spoiler and dual exhaust outlets.

Interior updates

When getting into the updated Mini, you will be forgiven for thinking that not much has changed and that’s okay because on initial view, it looks unchanged. Only once I started looking did I notice a redesigned gear lever, which is connected to a new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox available on both the Cooper and Cooper S.

You also get a new steering wheel, choice of new trim pieces and colours and an updated instrument cluster and revisions to the circular infotainment system. As for the overall design, not much has changed. It remains fairly spacious up front and if you opt for the five-door model, spacious at the rear as well. I could definitely feel that BMW quality coming through and much of the switchgear is lifted from BMW models.

Under the bonnet

A big change from the previous Mini, and for the entry-level One model, is a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine instead of the old 1.2 that makes 75kW/190Nm.

For Cooper models though, this engine has been retained albeit with outputs of 100kW/220Nm. This equates to a rather entertaining driving experience highlighted by the car’s eagerness to be thrown around the corners. It won’t blow your mind but with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.0-litres/100km, it won’t ruin you at the pumps either.

The Cooper S on the other hand features a 141kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which does tend to offer more thrills per 1000rpm than its three cylinder sibling. It felt really good through the corners, with sharper handling thanks to the sportier suspension and a cheeky exhaust note which pops and bangs for added fun.

In addition to the hatch, the Mini Convertible benefits from the same updates both inside and out, but seeing as the temperature in the Mother City was some 12 degrees and incredibly icy, I decided to decline in giving it some stick.

Verdict

After a quick blast along the iconic Cape coast-line in both the three and five-door Cooper and Cooper S models, it became clear Mini has firmly established itself as BMW’s youth filled brand.

The cars are fun, have quirky design elements but fundamentally maintain that German engineering which gives the brand a premium allure. I will admit though that the three-door, despite its tiny boot, remains the quintessential Mini and will likely be the model purchased the most. Of course, that purchase comes at a premium, and a rather hefty one as well.

Price
Hatch Three-door

One - R302 200
One AT - R323 200
Cooper - R370 300
Cooper AT - R391 300
Cooper S - R430 577
Cooper S AT - R450 186
John Cooper Works - R491 095
John Cooper Works AT - R512 865

Hatch Five-door

One - R312 300
One AT - R333 300
Cooper - R380 400
Cooper AT - R401 400
Cooper S - R441 057
Cooper S AT -R459 780

Cabriolet

Cooper - R423 200
Cooper AT - R444 200
Cooper S - R496 836
Cooper S AT - R515 559