I could explain until I’m blue in the face that the Ford Fiesta is a better car and that the Fiesta ST is one of the all-time great hot hatchbacks. But you want a Mini. I get that.
So. It’s probably best to spend a bit more and buy the Cooper S, which has a 2-litre engine and therefore plenty of oomph, or save a bit and buy either the basic One, or even a diesel. Certainly I wouldn’t bother wasting your cash on too many of the options or you’ll end up with what the company sent me: a £25,000 mobile discotheque.
* * *
It’s not mini and it’s not a Cooper either.
Jeremy Clarkson's MINI Review
Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson, writing for Driving in the U.K.'s The Sunday Times, reviews the 2014 MINI Cooper and is not completely enthusiastic. He gives it a 3 out five stars and concludes his piece:
NORCAL MINIS CALENDAR & OTHER EVENTS