► Month 10 with our Mini 5dr
► It’s time to say goodbye
► The Mini will be missed
I’ve run all sorts of long-term test cars over the past eight years, from a Clio Cup that lived for summer track days but desperately needed air-con, to a gorgeous Aston DB9 with a thirsty V12 and a temperamental fuel filler cap. There have been a myriad of others, but I truly miss only two: the M3 (an E92 Coupe, with the Competition Pack) and the Porsche Panamera (a pre-facelift GTS). Yes, I know it looks like I’ve been suckered by cars that have big naturally aspirated V8s in their noses, but I do have a legitimate point to make. To that pairing I’d now add a third car I’ll miss: the Mini.
You might scoff. You probably have. But let me explain: it’s about fitness for purpose, and all things considered, for the past ten months I don’t think another car could have dovetailed any better with my life. A move from Milton Keynes to London in late 2014, and a new commute that involved only the train and the Tube (or the bus when the unions strike), meant the number of miles I spent commuting in a car each year plummeted from around 35,000 to zero. Suddenly I needed wheels for leisure purposes and little else.
Enter the Mini, in a fetching shade of blue. From day one it made a potentially tedious task simple, as the short overhangs, thin A-, B- and C-pillars, upright windscreen and tight turning circle ensured it was a cinch to park. If you live in the Capital, you’ll know how important that is. Exploring southwest London looking for a new basketball team was equally straightforward thanks to the frankly brilliant sat-nav and iDrive system (but let’s be honest, you’d expect nothing less from a £1175 option).
Beyond that, it did all the things expected of a BMW-era Mini, like seducing your senses with changeable interior mood lighting, the red glow around the Engine Start toggle switch, and all the little intangibles that lift the ambience over and above rivals. It was damn good to drive too: there are sports cars that don’t seat you this low to the floor; or dart into corners so positively; plus I loved the weighty steering, the slightly knuckly gearchange and the firm pressures required on all three pedals. The little turbo’d three-cylinder engine loosened up nicely too, and I never once found myself wanting four.
The only real downsides can be counted with your thumbs. For one, I always had the nagging suspicion that even this five-door Mini, with an extra 72mm between the wheels over and above the regular three-door hatch, just wasn’t quite big enough. My frame may be partly at fault, as no one could physically sit behind me, but then more often than not, the other half and I also filled the boot and ended up packing onto the backseat whenever we went away.
Fault number two? The stiff ride. My Mini wasn’t specced with the optional run-flat tyres, but it sure as heck felt like it, and more than once I double-checked for markings on the sidewalls.
Despite that, had an Italian replacement not just arrived I’d be browsing PCH and PCP options right about now. Which I hope tells you everything you need to know about how much I loved this Mini.
Logbook: Mini Cooper 5dr 1.5
Engine: 1499cc 12v turbocharged 3-cyl, 134bhp @ 4500-6000rpm, 162lb ft @ 2500-4000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Stats: 8.2sec 0-62mph, 129mph, 109g/km
Price: £15,855
As tested: £21,250
Miles this month: 2160
Total miles: 7066
Our mpg: (overall) 40.6
Official mpg: 60.1
Fuel cost overall: £807.08
Extra costs overall: £0
Count the cost
Cost new: £21,250 (including £5395 of options)
Franchised dealer: £17,057
Private sale: £15,972
Part exchange: £14,952
Cost per mile: 13.0p
Cost per mile including depreciation: £1.15