{"id":7923,"date":"2014-03-17T22:06:44","date_gmt":"2014-03-17T22:06:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=7923"},"modified":"2015-03-18T19:37:26","modified_gmt":"2015-03-18T19:37:26","slug":"mini-cooper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/mini-cooper\/","title":{"rendered":"First Drive: MINI Cooper"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\u2018The<\/a>

\u2018The New Original\u2019, a MINI that is distinctly familiar but enhanced in every single way<\/p><\/div>\n

The MINI Cooper has just got even bigger but is it better? We went to the <\/i><\/b>\u00a0twisting mountain roads of Mallorca to find out writes Geraldine Herbert<\/em><\/strong> <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/b>\u00a0It may look pretty much like the old model but looks are deceptive and this new MINI has been completely revised\u00a0 from bumper to bumper, inside and out, \u00a0all in the name of function, performance and style.<\/p>\n

First impressions of the new MINI Cooper: <\/b>The New MINI is also bigger, longer by 98mm it gains 44mm in width more than its predecessor but while purists may scoff at its expanding waistline it is still shorter than rivals such as the Audi A1, Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta.\u00a0 A new larger oval-shaped grille now dominates the front of the car flanked by new head lights and overall the bigger proportions give it a more muscular and masculine look.<\/p>\n

What about the interior?\u00a0<\/b> While the quality is much improved in the cabin it is also far more spacious, with better head, leg and shoulder room, especially in the rear seats so its now finally possible to carry some full-sized friends in the back.\u00a0Luggage space is over 30 per cent more at 211 litres. There is an adjustable boot floor and a more useful 60\/40 split replaces the original 50\/50.<\/p>\n

Ergonomics have never been\u00a0 MINI\u2019s strong point but changes such as moving the electric window switches from the dash to a more convenient location on the door armrests and\u00a0 relocating the giant speedometer from the centre to directly in the driver’s eyeline certainly improves things. The traditional speedometer now houses a large 8.8-inch circular display centre console. There is also a miniaturised version of the BMW iDrive button\u00a0 called the Mini Controller that works exactly the same.<\/p>\n

And behind the wheel?<\/b>\u00a0 At the launch we had an opportunity to test drive two new versions, the petrol powered Cooper S and the Diesel Cooper D powered by a new three-cylinder 116bhp engine.<\/p>\n

\"Inside<\/a>

Inside the cabin, new technology ensures that the new MINI is the most connected car in its segment.<\/p><\/div>\n

MINI Cooper D: <\/b>Flip the new toggle switch starter and as it pulses red on ignition we discover there is nothing dull about the Cooper D and the new MINI is now even more comfortable. The chunky steering feels good but is slightly more detached than before but that said our Cooper is remarkably able. On the road it is torquey and lively to drive and the diesel grumble is barely audible.<\/p>\n

MINI Cooper S: <\/b>Next up is the Cooper S, the current flagship of the line up, on the road it is remarkably smooth in its acceleration and noticeable quieter than the\u00a0 previous model. Low and flat this four-seater really stays planted on twisty roads. The new gearbox shifts quickly and responds smoothly and while the 0-100 time of 6.8 seconds is not a ripping speed, it is thrilling enough and accompanied by a distinctively growly engine note and the occasional exhaust pop and crackle, \u00a0it is super fun to drive.<\/p>\n

How Much?<\/b>\u00a0The car was launched in Ireland on Saturday March 15 with a starting price of\u00a0\u20ac20,500.<\/p>\n

How Safe?<\/b>\u00a0In addition to the usual array of safety features the new MINI also offers Driving Assistant pack as a option that includes active cruise control, a collision and pedestrian warning system with active braking, plus speed-limit sign recognition. A rear view camera and parking assistant are also available for the new MINI for the first time.<\/p>\n

\u00a0What about my options:<\/b>\u00a0MINI first brought the concept of personalisation to motoring so its no surprise that there is huge range of interior and exterior customisable components available.<\/p>\n

3 words to describe the MINI Cooper: <\/b>Beefy, Bigger, Better<\/p>\n

For more information check out\u00a0Mini.ie<\/a>\u00a0or the Mini Ireland\u00a0facebook\u00a0<\/a>page<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Geraldine Herbert<\/strong><\/p>\n

18th<\/sup> March, 2014<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The MINI Cooper has just got even bigger but is it better? We went to the \u00a0twisting mountain roads of Mallorca to find out writes Geraldine Herbert What is it?\u00a0It may look pretty much like the old model but looks are deceptive and this new MINI has been completely revised\u00a0 from bumper to bumper, inside […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7929,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3,267,6],"tags":[1675,503,1676,71,72,1110],"yoast_head":"\nFirst Drive: MINI Cooper - wheelsforwomen.ie<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The MINI Cooper has just got even bigger but is it better? 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