Background
Since its reintroduction in 2001, BMW's MINI has been nothing short of a phenomenon. Sales have more than pleased the German owners and the car has also won the hearts of a substantial section of the motoring public. The combination of its retro charm, quality build and reasonable economy has made it the dominant player in the style led supermini sector and for the meantime this shows no sign of changing. BMW has expanded the brand cleverly to encompass coupes, soft tops and even estate versions and the MINI model family is now a car brand all on its own. As they surveyed the market however, BMW has realised that there is one part of the supermini sector where they were losing out. Quite a few people who buy superminis do so for financial reasons and, successful though it has been, the premium MINI range was missing out in this niche, being perceived as too expensive. The MINI First is designed to change that and it is priced to compete head on with more mainstream supermini rivals and to attract those who find the MINI desirable but thus far unaffordable.
Bang for your buck
In equipment terms, this is something of a stripped down MINI and trim levels on this entry level car are obviously not as generous as on more expensive models. On the other hand, it is still a MINI and the excellent chassis, advanced efficiency measures, safety features and that MINI brand equity are all still there. Offered only in three door hatch format, the MINI First has the same 1.6 litre petrol engine as you will find on the Mini One, which sits directly above it on the next rung of the model range. The difference is that the engine of the MINI First has been subdued a little to produce only 75bhp against the 98bhp of the Mini One. That means that the MINI First will take a fairly sedate 13.2 seconds to reach 60mph and will top out at 109mph as opposed to the MINI One which will reach 60mph in a more impressive 10.5 seconds. Even on this base model however, you get a six speed manual gear box, electric front windows, CD stereo and remote central locking. Safety features are thankfully standard too, with all the airbags you might expect, Isofix child seat mountings, advanced anti-lock brakes that steady the car even in mid-bend and electronic stability control.
What you'll pay
A 2009 1.6 MINI First on a 59 plate with a fairly hefty 71,000 miles on the clock will cost around £6,300. A 2012 (12 plate) model meanwhile, having covered only 4,700 miles and with the balance of MINI's 5 year free servicing pack, will cost £10,850.
What to check
Launched in 2009, these cars are still fairly new and have experienced few problems. The 1.6 engine is standard and proven and in its detuned 75bhp guise it is unlikely to feel much pressure. It has been reported that on some cars low pressure in the oil pump has starved the timing chain of oil when starting up, which can cause stretching of the chain, so check for a rattling noise on start up. These cars shipped with a 3 year warranty, so only the earliest motors will be without that cover. Many also sold with free servicing plans which are transferrable to new owners, so check that out.
Parts
Prices for spares on these cars are reasonable. An alternator will cost £60 and a water pump £55. A starter motor is £70.
How it drives
There is no doubt that some of the fun of MINI driving is taken away by the rather paltry output of the 75bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine. The MINI First does have some tricks up its sleeve, however and the multi-link rear suspension matched to independent front suspension is a sophisticated set up in this class of car. Add the standard Dynamic Stability Control system and MINI's excellent chassis and you do retain enough of the MINI's go-kart handling DNA to make the First a worthwhile driving experience. This MINI is an unashamed economy model and none the worse for that. In many ways in fact it remains more true to the economy motoring experience of the original Sir Alec Issigonis designed car and a used MINI First can make a very sensible and even fun second hand choice.
