Mini One UK first drive

The least expensive way into ownership of BMW’s third-generation Mini three-door hatch.

The Mini One gets a new three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, which replaces the old 1.6-litre naturally aspirated unit found in the previous-generation Mini hatch.

The engine is essentially a reduced capacity version of the new 1.5-litre turbo triple found in the Cooper hatch, retaining features such as direct injection and stop-start.

The One might be the entry-level Mini, but in its own way it feels just as special as the Cooper and Cooper S models higher up the range.

There’s no skimping on the quality of the materials in the cabin, and you’re not left with myriad gaps and fake buttons on the centre console. The story is the same for the exterior style; it doesn't look like a poverty spec car.

The engine is a belter. It sounds good, has strong in-gear acceleration, and feels quicker off the line than the 0-62mph time of 9.9sec suggests. It’s mated to a sweet six-speed manual gearbox, which is slick shifting and pleasurable to use both in town and when attacking your favourite B-road.

Economy falls short of the claimed 61.4mpg combined; we achieved just above 45mpg on our test route. With our experiences of a Cooper with more miles on the clock, we’d expect 50mpg to be achievable when the engine is properly run in.

All good so far, then, and there’s more good news on the dynamics front. Our test car was not fitted with the optional adaptive dampers the new Minis we’ve tested have typically come specced with, but it still had a nice ride. Firm, but never uncomfortable.

As with other Minis, we’re finding the Michelin Energy Saver tyres to be quite noisy, something we’ve experienced on 16-inch alloys on a Cooper and now 15-inch alloys on this One. 

The handling is also a joy; the front end is very pointy and the car feels light, agile and alive when changing direction, helped by tactile and well-weighted steering.

This was true of the previous generation Mini also, but where this new one scores extra points in its ability to be more civilised in everyday situations. It doesn’t feel as ‘on it’ when you’re popping to the shops, which is welcome and far less tiring than previous Minis.

Absolutely. This new Mini is proving to be a fine car in any flavour you choose, and this One feels more akin to a Cooper Light rather than a way to merely buy into the badge and the brand.

Mini One

Price £13,750; 0-62mph 9.9sec; Top speed 121mph; Economy 61.4mpg (combined); CO2 108g/km; Kerb weight 1090kg; Engine 1198cc, in-line three-cylinder, turbo; Power 101bhp at 4250rpm; Torque 133lb ft at 1400rpm; Gearbox 6-speed manual