If there's a maker that needn't bother with the sales-bumping tweakery of the mid-life facelift, it's MINI. Nonetheless, the maker has given its ever-popular line-up a slew of changes, including a new model and increased power and parsimony from its engines. The actual facelift comes later this year, in August.
The 1.4-litre unit found currently in the One is bumped up to 1.6-litres, which means performance is up, yet emissions and consumption are improved; a 3bhp increase to 97bhp is the result, while emissions drop to 127g/km and combined economy is 43.6mpg. That means the One will be VED exempt when the rules change in April 2010. You'll be able to buy a Convertible with that engine now too.
The new 'Minimalism' trim level is basically a clever way of spelling 'Econetic', 'Ecomotive', 'BlueEfficiency', 'GreenLine' or 'environmental catharsis'. You get the picture; it's the green one. Only available with One models powered by the 1.6-litre petrol in 75- or 97bhp forms, the Minimalism spec offers 119g/km and 46mpg economy in either output thanks to start/stop tech and a gear shift indicator. It gets unique wheels too.
At the other end of the scale, the Cooper S gets a power hike to 181bhp. Its 177lb.ft peak torque comes in at just 1,600rpm and its 0-62mph time drops slightly to seven seconds dead. At the same time, emissions are pegged at a remarkable 136g/km, which means its VED rating is £90 per month from April (plus an extra £20 in first year showroom tax). Bear in mind that the 2001 supercharged Cooper S would have cost £550 for the first year then £245 thereafter and you can see how far it's come. The addition of BMW's Valvetronic variable valve control system to the engine accounts for the improvements.
Mark Nichol - 14 Jan 2010