Mini 3-Door

The Mini 3-Door is compact, cute and cheerful. You could say the same of its cabin too. It’s well finished and the ‘new-age meets retro’ theme is brilliantly executed. However, a lot of what you’d expect as standard on such an expensive car are options, and ticking even a few extras can drive up the price a fair bit. The Mini’s front seats are snug and the rear seats, though useable, are fine for short stints only.
Of the engines, the 114hp, 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine on the Cooper D comes across as the level-headed choice. However, it’s the zingy 192hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol on the Cooper S that brings the best out of the Mini. The petrol engine is eager and exciting, and makes the 3-Door feel alive. Of course, go-kart-like handling is part and parcel of the Mini experience, and for many, a 3-Door can deliver the same thrills as pricier sportscars. Ride quality is a bit of a compromise, however. On poor roads, the body feels fidgety and you do get the odd crash of the suspension.

There are no two ways about it. If you want the full Mini experience, the 3-Door Cooper S with the fizzy turbo-petrol engine is the one to buy. Just to reiterate, however, be prepared to spend big money on bringing your Mini up to spec.