Vehicle: 2010 Mini One with Steptronic
Price as tested: CDN$21500 (Estimated)
If you thought Canadian-only Cooper Classic is already basic enough, wait tlll you try the Mini One. It all begins with the detuned 98 hp and 103 lb/ft of torque, from the same 1.6 liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine as the Cooper Classic. While the Cooper’s 120hp already felt adequate for most daily driving, this 98hp is barely enough to move One’s 1135kg of weight. In all honestly, its nothing more than a loud and noisy little mill. Even though its already better than last year’s 1.4 liter 85hp as in previous One, its still a gutless and rough powertrain. To make things worse, the 6-speed Steptronic’s 1st and 2nd gears just don’t have low enough gear ratios to move this heavymetal around. If you have to get an One, better go for the 5-speed manual which moves this gutless metal around.
When the One has the power, it handles as remarkably as any other Minis. The steering is typical Mini sharp and precise, with plenty of feel and feedback. There aren’t much body rolls when pushed, as long as it has enough power to move it around. Mini’s DSC-3 stability control is an uninstrusive version. However, with One’s medicore delivery of power. Even the most aggressive driver can’t moved the One oversteer when pushed hard into a corner. That’s primiarly because of Mini’s stiff and solid chassis, which has been overridden the medicore engine for proper driving pleasure.
Inside the One, its nothing but basic transportation until you opt for those expensive features. The 2-spoke steering feels ancient without any multi-function steering. The cloth seats feel rental-car like, while there are only manual air conditioning and stereo with basic CD function standard.
Once you loaded up an One, a proper Cooper won’t be too far sketched from Mini’s traditional long list of optional features. Given the amount of power delivered by the One, its guaranteed not to be a success even if Mini decides to bring it to Canada. Perhaps Cooper Classic is barebone enough for Canadian already.
Likes:
Rigid and stiff chassis
Nice steering feel
Dislikes:
Rough and sluggish engine
Basic standard features
Expensive when loaded
One can buy a BMW for its badge, seems like Mini is heading the same direction with the One.