The 2016 MINI Cooper is part of the third generation of ‘modern’ MINIs, created under the stewardship of BMW. Modern crash regulations, and the desires of buyers to have all the mod cons you expect mean it’s much larger than the 1959 original, but the 2016 MINI Cooper very much keeps the spirit of the classic original alive by being effortlessly cute and a hoot to drive. That’s even true of the basic Cooper model with just 134bhp – although if you’re a true thrill-seeker you can opt for the slightly barmy 302bhp John Cooper Works version.

Strengths:

Lively and entertaining to drive
The EV is ideal around town
John Cooper Works GP cars are very quick

Weaknesses:

The Convertible has a small boot
Ungainly looks if you choose the five-door
More powerful models can wear out tyres quickly

Is the 2016 MINI Cooper better than the 2016 DS 3?

In many ways, the 2016 DS 3 is simply a gallic version of the 2016 MINI Cooper. It’s a compact, style-focused hatchback that’s both cute and fun to drive. It’s not quite as fun on a backroad as the MINI, however, but it rides more comfortably and is cheaper to buy.