insideKENT Magazine Issue 37 - April 2015 | Page 133
Many years ago, I had to part company with my
old-style MINI Cooper Sport. It was a tragic day,
ruled by a head-over-broken-heart decision, and
based mainly on two very small humans who
were rapidly getting bigger. Fortunately, the new
MINI was on hand to give me a big virtual hug,
and take on the challenge of being our small
family-friendly car.
Now my little people are getting bigger, and whilst
our lovely 3-door MINI is still a much-loved
member of the clan, I was very interested in trying
out the new 5-door offering, and finding out if it
is a contender for the next season of life. Turns
out, it is!
On first appearances, it looks exactly like a MINI,
but sleeker, longer, more elegant and, dare I say,
mature. There is a new and pleasing curve to
the rear, and the car appears to sit lower and
look sturdier as a result. The bit at the back
means there is more room to accommodate the
extra doors, but, by some feat of what can only
be sheer magic, the result is more legroom and
a much bigger boot than the standard 3-door
MINI. I’m not sure how they did this, but it’s really
rather brilliant!
The 5-door’s dazzling sporty looks were set off
beautifully with a funky white spoiler, an eyecatching electric panoramic sunroof, whopping
great 18” alloys and a shiny central twin exhaust.
In short, this car looks magnificent.
Inside, you will find a reassuringly familiar MINI
cockpit. Sporty, comfy leather (including a
wonderfully chunky racing-feel steering wheel)
combined with polished metal panels and a
dashboard that manages to combine classic with
cutting edge, means that everything looks and
feels of the highest quality.
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