MINI Hatch Dark Green

The Mini’s engine comes from BMW and is available in 1.5-litre three-cylinder form with two power outputs in One and Cooper models. Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions use a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder motor based on the same ‘architecture’, all turbocharged and coming as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. Automatic gearboxes are optional and open up automated ‘stop and go’ cruise control if you add the Driving Assistant Pack too. We drove the 178 horsepower Cooper S version in both three- and five-door models and it’s a smooth and powerful engine, if perhaps not quite as exciting as you might have hoped. The 231 horsepower John Cooper Works should answer those concerns, while previous experience suggests the mid-range Cooper version might actually be the sweetest all-round package, given it’s a bit lighter and makes the car feel a little more agile as a result.