MINI First : FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

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The entry-level MINI First is gunning for mainstream supermini rivals like never before. Steve Walker reports.

The success and adoration that the new MINI has garnered since BMW first unleashed its retro loveliness on the UK public would suggest there are still lots of people out there who desperately want one but can't afford one. It's the job of the entry-level MINI First model to tempt individuals who had previously written the MINI off as too expensive. It's definitely priced to sell but does it risk damaging the MINI's profile as a premium small car by edging closer to the budget end of the market?

If you're used to the lines of the original MK1 BMW MINI, as most are, it takes a keen eye to spot the bodywork differences of the MK2 model, despite this second generation car and its progenitor sharing not one piece of sheet metal. The good news for British industry is that the car continues to be built at what is now known as Plant Oxford (Cowley to us old timers), this factory's output having been upped to 240,000 cars per year, more than double what it was when the first MINIs rolled off its lines in 2001. The body panels and sub assemblies hail from Plant Swindon and the BMW-designed engines roll out of the Hams Hall plant in the Midlands. Despite the German bankrolling, this MINI wears its Union Flags with pride. The engine supplying the power for the MINI First is the same unit as found in the MINI One which sits directly above it in the range. The difference is that for the MINI First, the wick has been turned down so that only 75bhp is generated. The MINI One has a more rounded 95bhp and 140Nm of torque taking it over the 0-60mph sprint in 10.9s. The MINI First produces 120Nm at its peak and takes 13.2s to reach 60mph before hitting the wall at 109mph. Versions of the MINI are continually described as nippy but in a straight line, the MINI First runs dangerously close to not fitting that template. At least it still has the outstanding chassis that makes the MINI one of the finest small cars to drive.

"BMW's MINI has never been more affordable than it is in entry-level First form"

Multi-link rear suspension is an advanced feature that's rare in cars of the MINI's size but it gives BMW's baby a definite edge. Matched to independent front suspension and a standard Dynamic Stability Control system, it gives the MINI the basic tools to entertain. Electromechanical power-assisted steering (EPAS) made its debut on this version of the MINI aiming to reduce parking effort (a factor which turned off a proportion of mainly female potential customers) but still retain pinpoint accuracy at speed. Although keen drivers will at first lament the loss of the old system, the latest setup does have definite advantages in everyday driving. The second generation `new' MINI has much the same stance as the original but features a subtle loosening of the belt. The front grille is tidier and the indicators are housed in the headlight pod. If you're able to put a MK2 MINI up alongside a MK1 version, you should notice that the shoulder line is higher (18mm more), giving the today's version a more hunched, powerful appearance. It's inside the MINI that more obvious improvements have been wrought in recent years. Gone are those indicators that felt like you were snapping a biro every time you used them. Plus the centrally mounted speedometer now houses entertainment functions. The slimmed-down centre console offers more space in the footwells while the key has been replaced by a round signal sensor that slots next to the steering wheel. A start/stop button is also fitted as standard. The retro design of the MINI's controls mean they aren't always as easy to use as those in a more modern vehicle but retro is the whole point of this car's existence, so it's hard to be too critical. The interior certainly looks good and feels special, which is what the designers were aiming for. Rear seat space is more limited than in rival superminis but a couple of adults will just about fit. Getting in and out of the back seats is more problematic and requires a certain degree of flexibility. The size of the boot will also present problems to buyers who regularly go wild in the aisles at Asda but build quality is generally strong. Offered exclusively in hatchback form, the MINI First is all about price. It undercuts the MINI One by around £1,500, which is a big saving on an £11,000 car. Predictably, equipment levels take a hit but the MINI basics are included and the First model means that the MINI now compares directly on price with rival models that have never had it to contend with before. Most customers won't end up paying the basic price for the First model. MINI's business model hinges on buyers being lured into the showrooms where the brand's vast array of optional extras and desirable upgrades can work their magic. Popular choices are the Design Package which adds chrome trim and a sports steering wheel, The Tech Package which yields an upgraded stereo and Bluetooth connectivity and the Salt Package which includes a trip computer, front fog lights and more storage options. The MINI isn't only a desirable little trinket that appeals on an emotional level: it's actually a highly affordable car to own as well. Even this basic First model includes automatic Stop-Start technology which kills the engine when the vehicle is stationary, brake energy regeneration and a gear-shift indicator light to help get the best economy from the 1.4-litre engine. The combined fuel consumption is 53mpg and emissions are pegged at 128g/km. The MINI's popularity also sees it hold on to its value more tenaciously than most superminis on the used market. Then there's the MINI TLC package which offers five years of free servicing at a knockdown price and is taken out by many buyers. BMW's MINI has never been more affordable than it is in entry-level First form. Buyers at this level are forced to take some hits on the specification and the all important look and feel of the car isn't as impressive as on plusher models but the MINI essentials are intact. That will make the MINI First a tough rival for the other vehicles in the £11,000 supermini market.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: MINI First
PRICE: £10,950 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 5
CO2 EMISSIONS: 128g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 103mph / 0-60mph 13.2s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 53.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Six airbags, ABS with EBD and CBC, DSC, runflat tyres
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/width/height 3699/1683/1407mm