MOTORING MOTORING
MINI COOPER 5-DOOR HATCHBACK
BMW, owners of the Mini brand, have been exceptionally innovative in creating so many variants of this iconic model, and the latest is likely to prove exceedingly popular. It is the first Mini Cooper hatchback with 5 doors, and offers impressive practicality. With more load space, more rear-
ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
Our MOtOrInG COLuMn, By tHe exPerIenCeD AnD AWArD WInnInG MOtOrInG JOurnALIst NICK FLETCHER HeLPs Our reADers CHOOse tHe Best OF tHe LAtest CArs.
With the introduction of the
new model, the Mini Cooper sD 5-door hatch is presented for the first time with a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel power unit that has an output of 170 hp. It has a 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds, and fuel economy of 68.9 mpg. this top-spec version is £20,050. In addition to anti-lock
brakes, electronic brake force distribution,
legroom and a third rear seat, it ticks most of the boxes when it comes to smart practical family transport, and is accessibly priced from £15,900. the new model offers an additional 15 millimetres of headroom and the car’s interior width at elbow height also increases, by 61 millimetres. the boot has a volume of 278 litres, up 67 litres or around 30 per cent compared to its3-door hatch stablemate. there are four engines with MInI twinPower turbo
technology to choose from. A 3-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 136 hp powers the Cooper 5-door Hatch while the 4-cylinder petrol engine in Cooper s version offers 192 hp. the new Cooper D 5-door hatch is powered by a 116 hp 3-cylinder diesel engine.
VW GOLF SV
the new Volkswagen Golf sV is a roomier and more versatile version of the iconic Golf, with a longer wheelbase to create more interior occupant space and sliding rear seats to provide greater room for luggage. replacing the Golf Plus, this new model, with slightly higher driving position, has its own distinct persona, though the overall driving feel remains very much true Golf – familiar and effortless. the sV range starts at £18,875 for a car with a modest 1.2 litre petrol engine and tops out with the £26,815 model with 2.0 litre diesel engine and automatic gearbox. My recent test model was the Gt version with a 148hp 1.4 litre petrol engine and 6 speed manual gearbox. Priced at £24,895, this sV is loaded with equipment including adaptive cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, folding tables on the rear of the front seats, auto lights and wipers, sat-nav, roof rails, 5.8 inch touch screen, DAB radio, multi airbags, Bluetooth and
A PerFeCt BALAnCe OF POWer AnD COntrOL.
exPerIenCe Is Just WOnDerFuL,
tHe DrIVInG
cornering brake control with brake assistant, and driving stability control system, the new Mini hatch also includes a drive-off assistant, fading brake support and dynamic traction control. this latter system permits controlled slip at the drive wheels so as to facilitate driving off on
loose sand or deep snow. While the hatch offers extra capacity and versatility, the famous Mini driving characteristics and handling prowess remain. Grippy cornering, even at speed, is very reassuring, and the ride quality, though firm is still compliant enough for comfort. With a slick-action gearshift, precise steering feedback and eager response, especially from the 2.0 litre diesel unit, the driving experience is just wonderful, a perfect balance of power and control.
much more. top speed of this model is 132 mph and the 0-60 mph time is just 8.8 seconds. Despite its nippy performance, it returns 50.4 mpg combined. With lowered sports suspension, it grips with assurance
A FOrMIDABLe PACKAGe WItH strOnG APPeAL
tO FAMILy Buyers Or BusIness users
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