Model tested: Mini Cooper
Price: £12,995
Tested: January 2007
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Overall rating: 88%
Looking for a car that's fun-to-drive, good looking and a British icon to boot? The BMW-owned iconic little car has just had its first facelift since the German manufacturer reinvented it in 2001.

1. Looks
We liked the Cooper model-specific roof spoiler giving this cheeky car a backwards baseball cap-sporting appearance. It adds to the impression of an eager puppy of a car which can't wait to be driven.
9/10

2. Looks inside
Looks even better inside than out. The centrally-located oversized speedometer dominates the dashboard the aircraft-style switches look great as does the ambient lighting.
10/10

3. Practicality
There's plenty of space up front but back seat space is restricted. The boot offers 160 litres or with the rear seats down up to 680 litres.
7/10

4. Ride and Handling
The handling is superb and great fun while the ride is very good too. A 400-mile trip on all classes of road left us fresh and ready for more on arrival.
9/10

5. Performance
The 1.6-litre petrol engine propels the Cooper to 62mph from standstill in 9.1 seconds and its 120bhp provides a top speed of 126mph.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
This updated version of the new Mini returns a very respectable average of 48.7 mpg. Owners get a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and when you come to sell you'll find, thanks to desirability and waiting lists, the car has held its value better than most.
9/10

7. Reliability
The new generation was launched at the tail-end of 2006 so it's hard to comment on the Mini's reliability. The outgoing model was very reliable and both BMW and Mini have a well-deserved reputation for producing dependable cars.
9/10

8. Safety
The Mini's six airbags earned it four stars in EuroNCAP tests. Driver aids include Electronic Brake Force Distribution, while the Chilli Pack also includes ESP and traction control.
8/10

9. Equipment
All Minis feature alloy wheels, electric mirrors and windows, a CD player and six airbags. The Cooper S adds sports suspension and design features; air conditioning is extra, as is sat-nav.
9/10

10. X-Factor
The Mini performs well in many areas – but the combination of a great looking car which is fun and comfortable to drive is the recipe for the reinvented Mini's success.
10/10