New Mini
New Mini is the marvel of the millennium. Forty years after the original slipped
onto our roads, the New Mini has become one of the most successful models
of the modern day under the control of parent
BMW. Now, the second generation New Mini has been launched and with worldwide
demand undiminished a landmark one-millionth model is expected to roll off
the Oxford production lines in March.
The new powertrain of 120 and 175bhp 1.6 normal and turbo-charged four-cylinder
engines with six speed manual or optional paddle-shift automatic gearboxes
are the most significant changes to the new series. There is electric power
steering for the first time, new suspension, enlarged brakes and a bigger body
with new interior and seats that give more room. The latest generation of the
car retains the classic three-door body but you can now pitch the rear seats
to accommodate more luggage in the small boot. It’s grown 6cms in length
with greater emphasis on safety for occupants and pedestrians, and there is
now a plastic ignition key and push-button starter
for added security. Launched in Cooper and turbo-charged Cooper S versions
at £13,000
and £16,000
respectively, a £11,600 1.4 MINI One will be added in early 2007 along
with a 1.6 diesel.
The Cooper S produced a lot of power for a car of its size with a turbo now
replacing the supercharger of the former series, but it’s not really
a road-burning racer, rather a very warm model that can be thoroughly enjoyed
thanks to its wheel-at-each-corner design. The suspension is firm yet comfortable
and the interior is attractive and oozes quality with excellent fit and finish.
I averaged 33mpg with the Cooper S and pushed towards 39mg with the less powerful
Cooper. There was less noticeable torque steer with the Cooper but both behaved
impeccably on some very twisting roads. They gripped the road securely and
behaved in an entirely predictable manner and complete safety. I thought the
less powerful
version felt slightly more
agile on its narrower tyres. Top speed of the Cooper is said to be 120mph,
with a further 20mph coming from the S version. The more powerful car hits
60mph
in 7.0 seconds and that’s
two seconds quicker than the normally aspirated model. So, the new MINI2 is
growing up but still retains its impish charm and looks. It’s going to
be another success.
Top speed: 120-140 mph
0-60mph: 9-7 sec
Price: from £13,000-£16,000
Honda CR-V
The green revolution is growing and one of the most successful cars of its
generation, the Honda CR-V, is maturing.
Launched a decade ago, around two-and-a-half million have been sold worldwide
and Honda expects to notch up 22,000 UK sales of CR-V in 2007, with over half
being the new high efficiency clean-diesel derivative. The petrol version emits
less CO2 than the New Mini and with emissions likely to be the guide to future
road tolling, the CR-V is ahead of the game. For the new version, out has gone
the android adolescent appearance in favour of a carefully crafted cosmopolitan
car which is purpose designed to cross
categories. It is new from bumper to bumper, inside, outside and under the
skin.
The new powertrain includes revised intelligent on-demand 4x4 transmission,
together with new suspension and enhanced safety features. The longer, wider
footprint of the CR-V gives it better handling and greater comfort.
The new 2.0 petrol engine develops 150PS and 140lbft of torque, which gives
it a 0-60mph time of 10.1 seconds and maximum 118mph. Combined economy is said
to be nearly 35mpg and it emits 192gkm CO2. The diesel stablemate produces
140PS and 251lbft torque, takes 10.2sec to 60mph and will reach 116mph, but
no automatic
version is yet available. Expect over
43mpg overall and 173gkm CO2. I briefly tested both petrol automatic and diesel
versions and was impressed by their mechanical and ride smoothness, their equipment
levels and easy, flowing
performance. The lack of mechanical noise served to exaggerate the amount of
road and tyre rumbles coming into the cabin, which detracted from the refinement
and sophistication
of the new model. The strong standard features list (including a useful dual-deck
boot), combined with Honda’s renowned reliability, is going to be a powerful
pull into showrooms.
Top speed: 110-118mph
0-60mph: 10.2-12.2sec
Price: from £19,000-£25,000
Read all of our car reviews in the current issue of RedHanded.
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