Basem Wasef reviews the new MINI Hatchback for
Popular Mechanics. Among his observations:
As much as our well-intentioned, eco-conscious ids believe the three-cylinder with the six-speed manual should be the ride of choice, its skimpy low-end torque demands a bit of revving and clutch slip to instigate strong launches. Without that aggressive right-pedal action, we stalled off the line during a test drive in the wilds of Puerto Rico. MINI estimates up to 42 highway mpg with the slushbox, but we suspect our mileage would vary thanks to our inherent desire to rev the bejeezus out of that tiny engine.
