MINI

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You've likely walked past Melbourne's skinniest street at least once, but you might not know its fascinating history.

- Introduction Let's begin with a question. Have you ever made an impulse purchase that turned out for the better? Although 2020 is a year that might best be forgotten, it has given me the opportunity to consider things that turned out so right, including an impulse buy made years ago when we knew of more carefree times. I was looking to add some zest to my daily drive and that was what I got. In spades. A day before the Easter break of 2015, I drove a deep-blue metallic, bug-eyed F55 MINI Hatch out of a local dealership and it was all smiles ever since. I called her "Little Angel Wings". She was from a time before MINI redesigned their logo in 2017 to its simplified fishbone form. In my opinion, the older logo was prettier and resembled an angel's wings. Hence, the nickname stuck. I was so enamoured with the car that I wrote a 100-day review of it on my blog. It was a fruitless exercise amounting to as much good as shouting into a void, because nobody read that article. But I digress. Currently in its third generation, the BMW-owned MINI Hatch was launched in 2000. Although its design is said to be inspired by the original that was introduced in 1959, the two are certainly worlds apart in terms of size, appearance, age and technology. The MINI Hatch is infinitely customisable and back in 2015, was still exclusively assembled in the Oxford plant in England. BMW, its more mature sibling, promises to deliver customers the "ultimate driving machine". But MINI is the more youthful stablemate, offering oodles of fun and a rebellious attitude, often for less money. But that doesn't necessarily make it cheap to buy or own. - What's it like to buy? Let's pore over these 2015 prices for a hot minute. While the little 5-door hatch has a list price starting at $25,227, it was the options that rapidly sent the driveaway price north of forty grand. Ludicrous for a car of this size and quite spendy, despite the MINI brand cachet and its unashamedly good looks. A 6-speed automatic ($2,136), metallic paint ($727), sat nav ($1,000), park assist package ($636), alarm system ($545) and reverse camera ($427) were among the list of options. Even at that price, I wound up with a car that was decidedly spartan inside, especially by today's standards. Manually adjusted upholstery seats with no heating or ventilation, basic tech, limited safety features, ordinary interior lighting and trim. A driver's car, as I once remarked. Yes, it's an automatic transmission, shunned by purists. But I'll discuss that in a bit. - What's it like to drive? Now, this is where it gets interesting. In tight inner-city spots, the diminutive MINI is up to the task of weaving through traffic and negotiating the smallest spaces. Its retro circular headlights and bonnet stripes are a playful statement against a backdrop of rigid grey skyscrapers, brooding luxury saloons and people in their unimaginative black power suits. However, the car feels fidgety at these speeds and it is on the open road where it really shines. Settle in and a cheerful cartoon car graphic greets the driver from the instrument cluster. Push that prominent START/STOP dipswitch and the car springs to life, the high-resolution central display with its ever-changing LED ring adding pizzaz to the interior. Multiple toggle switches are scattered throughout the cabin, which is generally adorned with quality plastics, a tasteful combination of matte and glossy surfaces. While the interior appears basic, everything feels sound and well crafted. The doors open and close with an enviable level of solidity and most other cars would sound tinny in comparison. Five and a half years old. Parked outdoors rain, hail or shine. Driven 85,000kms. Not a single rattle anywhere and bar expected wear and tear, everything still looks good as new. Those seats are comfortable too, even for the long haul, and you get a meaty three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel with hand-stitched leather. Speaking of leather, it's beautifully hard-wearing with lots of natural grain, none of that seemingly over-processed soft stuff that becomes sticky with time. Under the bonnet is BMW's inhouse 1.5L, turbocharged 3-cylinder powerplant with a lightweight aluminium turbine housing, a world first. For a small engine, it's quite loud, making a pleasant thrum at low revs while creating an exhaust note like a toddler blowing the sweetest of raspberries. Floor the accelerator and the cabin is permeated with an increasingly high-pitched squeal, matched only by the delight of the driver. The 3-pot makes 100kw from 4,400-6,000rpm and its full 220Nm in a fat band from 1,250-4,300rpm, taking the F55 hatch from 0-100km/hr in 8.1 seconds. So the MINI is a little like a half-trained working dog: earnest, not particularly fast, but a couple of notches quicker than "slow as molasses". Adding to that, the engine has a tendency to lag when pushing off from a standing stop. Those default 15-inch alloy wheels have narrow tyres and can struggle for grip, especially with the original Hankooks, and a heavy right foot at the traffic lights just burns rubber. On the other hand, those tyres are of such a high profile that it has saved me from curbing the alloy rims on a number of occasions, while improving ride quality. I had a much better experience with a second set of tyres, the Pirelli Cinturato P6, which gripped better, lasted longer and dramatically reduced road noise at highway speeds. The engine feels most capable in rolling acceleration where the laggy dead zone disappears. The performance inspires confidence especially from 40-80km/hr, and the 6-speed auto is a brilliant match over the entire range of legal speed limits in Victoria. Shift quality is generally good and downshifts are really quick. The transmission has an uncanny ability of being in the right gear all the time, with rapid access to the engine's power band. Needing a quick lane change? No problem. Twitch-steer, jab the pedal with a confident foot. The revs jump almost instantly, and you're done. For more control, I thump it into Manual/Sport mode, which improves fuel consumption by about 10%. But I'd be kidding myself if I chose to fumble with a stick shift for imagined or miniscule differences in driveability. Part of the fun of driving a MINI is in its precise handling and predictable performance. A well-weighted steering wheel points the car accurately within a centimetre of where you need to be, while the engine delivers in a remarkably linear fashion. Not to mention that tremendous chassis with a low centre of gravity which just tempts the driver to carve out the asphalt everywhere. It has gotten me out of (and into) numerous tight spots in moving traffic without much trouble, save for a prolonged toot (plus a flip of the bird at me, for good measure) from the very odd ill-tempered people who flog their gutless rides and drive like it's got no brake pedal, tailgating every driver on the road. Disclaimer: The author values safe driving. Please drive carefully. - How practical is it? With an additional two doors, the larger MINI Hatch is more grownup, and now about as practical as most compact hatchbacks. That sounds like a mixed opinion because it is. However, it's marvellous to finally get two small-sized adults in the back without some acrobatics on their part. As expected, legroom in the rear seats is compromised in such a small car especially if the front passengers are taller or of size. There is also the risk of bumping one's head on the door frame on entry. The car will still manage a trip to and from the airport for two passengers and a modest amount of luggage with one of the back seats folded, or a week of groceries for a small family. There is a puncture repair kit in the boot with no space saver tyre. Still, the boot volume is just 278L and caps out at 941L with all the rear seats down. I struggled with space after the arrival of a baby. He grew rapidly and it became challenging to get him in and out of the rear-facing baby seat. That sadly pushed me to the point of switching to a larger vehicle. But for singles, childless couples, or even small families with preteen kids, this car would be a fun little runabout. Visibility is great, thanks to the upright door apertures and large windows, plus those generously sized rounded side mirrors (heated) which are as much function as form. Forgo the tinting and the clarity of the windows adds a feeling of being as one with the road. The rather erect windscreen does result in more wind noise, while making it difficult to see those traffic lights if you are stopped right on the line and have set a high driving position. - What's it like to own? The engine proved quite frugal (although preferring a minimum of premium 95 petrol) under most circumstances, and a full tank would last well over 550km even with some spirited driving. In daily suburban trips with its associated school zones and traffic jams, it averaged between 6.5-7L/100km. On a good day, 5.9L/100km. A bad one? 7.8L/100km. I have managed a low 4.9L/100km on a day trip of combined suburban and country driving and have seen a high of 10.8L/100km on an evening in horrible inner city Melburnian traffic. Over a 66-month period, dealership servicing totalled $3,561. This included general servicing, replacing the brakes and related equipment (twice for the rear and once for the front), and replacing a dead battery. This does not include a full set of new tyres installed by a third party. That's pricey, considering I had optioned in a service pack ($850) at the time of purchase. On the flipside, the car had zero cosmetic or mechanical faults and proved reliable. Second-hand vehicles of the same age and similar mileage are currently listed between $20,000-22,000, which means purchasers of a brand-new MINI hatch expect to lose about half its value within 5 years. In my opinion, this makes them good value for money if you buy them used, especially for a car that scores this high on Fun, while having serious points in Style. - Concluding remarks The day of the trade-in, I felt a little of what it's like to lose an old friend. I doubt we've ever seen a grown man shed a tear when parting with an old car, and I looked away so quickly that I wouldn't change my mind. Any rational person would say, "moving on to bigger and better things." Bigger? An unreserved "Yes". Better? Well, that just got a whole lot more complicated. Today, I'm a little more senior (read: older) and a fair bit greyer on me noggin. But the memory of Little Angel Wings lives on in my heart. The spirit of a MINI goes fast and always has a blast. Now that, my friends, never gets old.

The mini is a British icon, however it's German designers have shown their ingenuity on the r56 series My own R56 is of the n/a variant, with a 6spd manual (the only transmission that should be in these cars). Not being quick, but can get out of its own way. On the freeway it sips along at about 6.5L/100km on 215/45/17 re003s, getting about 600km to the tank if you are driving like a grandm (however, who would drive such a nimble little car that can dart through peak hour traffic like that?). With the factory 175/60/15 rims and tyres on however you can get a Remarkable 4.5-5.5L/100km depending on conditions, and even up to 800km out of only 32L of fuel Onto handling, people don't joke when they reference go-kart like handling, the car can change direction very quickly, and keeps up with cars you wouldn't think it would on winding downhill roads. However, the trade-off is comfort, as you will feel every little bump in the road and it is very harsh. Interior styling is very out-there for a car of its time. The giant Speedo in the middle is a decorative piece, aiming back to the OG mini, where the Speedo was smack in the middle. Thankfully, there is a digital one in the middle LCD screen so you don't have to glance over The stero system is ample, while not too bassy, can comfortably pump out tunes. It does have Bluetooth, but only for phone calls, not music unfortunately. Cruise control, abs, traction control and all the other essential goodies come standard As to reliability, it's a BMW. That's all I have to say In my year of putting 50,000km (bought it at 60,000km, currently has 110,000 km) it has had: -New wheel speed sensor (60$ and a diy friendly install) -2x new ignition coils (average wear and tear, but there is a service bulletin for badly designed coil packs on the N16 engines) about $50 each -timing chain Now this one was the worst, as these engines are notorious for having their chains go bad due to the poor system Peugeot has designed (yes it is technically a Peugeot engine) and it is very involved. $2800 including labour from a very reputable shop (also had accessory belt done -control arm bushings Front ones require subframe to be dropped, about $200-300 depending on if you buy aftermarket ones or not -Sway bar bushings Also require front subframe to be lowered for the front ones. Rear are pretty easy, can just get a socket and ratchet through the wheel well, about $300 all up for all 4 (including labour to drop the front) Don't let this put you off, as when these cars work, they a beautiful little machines

I had always imagined that the expression "May you live in interesting times" was a positive statement that hoped that the person who was on the receiving end of those words would enjoy a full and fascinating life. As it turns out it may well be that the origins of the expression could be a Chinese curse which would make it kind of appropriate in the interesting times we are all currently navigating. In any case, regardless of where the expression came from and whether we like it or not, we are all certainly living in a time full of interest and more than a little uncertainty. At times such as this it is no bad thing to be able to enjoy some of life's simple pleasures and for someone like me, who has petrol flowing through their veins, driving a joyous and playful car can certainly provide an excellent distraction from the solid wall of negative white noise currently emanating from every single news source. And the JCW Countryman is certainly a joyful car. My Mini is coming up on its second birthday and 65,000 kilometres. The car has been completely faultless in that time. The Countryman is built on BMW's UKL platform which it shares with the BMW X1 and X2 and in my humble opinion they have got the formula for the car absolutely right. I'm not sure exactly how many cars I have owned but it is a substantial number. Everything from a Lada Niva (better than you would imagine) to a few Mercedes have found a place in my garage over the years. The basic build quality of the Countryman is excellent and is the equal or better of anything I personally have owned. The paint is thick, the doors shut with a quality thunk, everything works perfectly, the interior really hasn't worn in any significant way and the car still feels just like it did on the day it was delivered. Whilst you purchase a Mini for the fun factor and the quality, there are certainly no real compromises with the practicality of a Countryman. The Countryman is a small to mid size SUV and can probably be almost directly compared to the Mazda CX5 with its interior space. Both cars have around 450 litres of boot space. The car is relatively frugal and it makes good use of its 2 litre 170 kilowatt turbo that is mated to an 8 speed auto. There are three modes to choose from - green, mid and sport. I drive mine in sport mode 90 per cent of the time because it sharpens the handling up, adds a little crackle to the exhaust and improves the throttle response. Strangely enough, the steering feel becomes ever so slightly wooden in sport mode as if BMW went a little too far in their attempt to make the feel through the steering wheel deliberately heavy. It's not a major issue but you do notice it. Another practical aspect of the car is its ability to comfortably consume highway kilometres. A long motorway stint is a pleasurable experience when you select green mode with its quiet exhaust setting, comfortable suspension tune and the engine response dialed down for economy. The back seat is comfortable with reclining back rests, two isofix points and rear occupants have their own vents and charging points. Then there are the many built in attributes that the JCW has as standard like the wireless Apple car play, wireless phone charging, head up display, electric tail gate, excellent lights, long service intervals, heated seats and brilliant brakes. Perhaps the most understated feature of the Countryman is the all wheel drive system. Many of the kilometres that my car has acquired in the last two years have been on the Pacific Highway. This soon to be much better stretch of road gives you almost endless roadworks (finishing soon), seemingly unlimited B doubles and quite often very heavy rain. The sure footed feeling that the Mini gives you on wet roads is incredibly comforting. One of the most memorable moments the car has given me was a run up the Gwyder Highway very early one morning. It was pre dawn and dark, the clouds were on the ground as we climbed the Gibralter Range and it was raining heavily. The JCW devoured that tricky slippery road with incredible ease and with a level of traction and safety that only all wheel drive can give. You can, of course, get all of the practical features of the Countryman in many other mid sized SUV's at a much lower price but that would be missing the point of the JCW. I personally needed a practical car but I wanted something that I would enjoy driving and those two desired outcomes ruled out the majority of the offerings from Asia, as good as those vehicles may be. The current crisis we are living through has absolutely reinforced to me that life can be unpredictable and it is definitely short and my personal policy of avoiding main stream appliances for transport is something I am very glad I have always followed. Those of you with less passion for interesting cars may not agree and I respect that. The other options available to me in this segment were also ruled out for different reasons - Audi was a no because of a bad VW experience, Macan for the same reason, Landrover on reliability, and others on price. One of the more endearing qualities of the Mini for me is it's lack of pretentiousness and the fact that, as a brand, it doesn't take itself too seriously. The other expression that is relevant to my Mini is the "seven year itch" except for me, when it comes to cars, its more like "the two year itch". Usually a few years into owning a car I am looking at Caradvice and other forums and planning my next purchase. It is quite an unusual position I currently find myself in where I am looking at reasons not to sell the Countryman. I just like it, and its personality and quality and character have made me very reluctant to part with it. This thought process is in the context of knowing there is a new version of my car available which would have all of my current vehicles' good points with even more power and performance. The thing is, I actually think that 170 kilowatts is pretty close to perfect for a warm hatch on public roads as a daily driver. The JCW is already potentially anti social enough if you want it to be with its good performance and excellent handling when mixing in traffic with wobbly dual cab utes, cvt plagued under powered suvs and the other less focused choices of transport we share the road with especially when you throw in roundabouts, corners and anything other than straight roads. And my wife is expressing a desire for us to buy a 4wd and a camper trailer so we can join the other doomsday preppers and head out west and live under a rock until normal programming is resumed. This sounds reasonably attractive but the thought of piloting a Landcruiser everyday after driving a Mini just isn't appealing, as good as that car is. In any case, my Mini should be good for many years to come based on its impeccable history to this point. Every drive in it has been a pleasure. If the world ends tomorrow I have 65,000 kilometres of outstanding memories banked in this excellent little car.

What to say about my wife's Mini? So I like cars and being 6ft tall / that's 186cm in the new money, a Mini would not be my first choice, but sliding into the driver seat I was pleasantly surprised how roomy it was, I didn't even have the seat all the way back with one or two clicks left in the seat adjustment. Firing the engine into life with the starter button and engaging first gear we took off, and the drive is responsive and peppy, this is no fire breathing works edition but it has enough pickup to be fun through the hills of southeast Qld. The auto box and engine are well matched and quite when cruising but has a sporty sound when pushed into sports mode. This Mini is a convertible and well suited for top down driving in SEQ and when the roof is fully open you get only slight wind buffeting in the cabin, and if needed the roof can be closed at the touch of a button, which needs to be done at less than 25kph. If you try this at a faster speed the on board computer will warn you to slow down. The cars controls hark back to earlier design ques of the original Mini and has a round central control display with onboard Navigation, radio, handsfree phone controls and car data information, there are several versions available from Mini and this car was fitted with a few fun options including colour changing interior lighting and a cool Mini logo that projects on the road by the drivers door when you open the door, just in case you forget your driving a Mini. This Mini is ideally suited for two people and a couple of weekend bags, there are two seats in the back but with the drivers seat almost on the rear setting leg room for the forth passenger is minimal. The boot is quite roomy and if needed the rear seats fold down but if you need to move a lot of stuff borrow you mates ute. All over this is a fun car to drive and while you won't beat a Evo or Ferrari away from the lights this is not what's it's designed to do, enjoying a drive to a winery and back in comfort with a dash of sporty is where the Mini shines.