Our Fleet Test Drive: Mini 5-door hatchback 4th report
Date:
23 April 2015
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Author:
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Equipment: | Six-airbags, cruise control, Mini Connected, air-con, DAB, USB, aux, Bluetooth, 8.8 inch display, front and rear Isofix, tyre repair kit or spacesaver, heated mirrors | | Options: | Media XL pack £1175, Chili pack £2250, 17-inch alloys £450, Bonnet stripes £80, Chrome Line interior £110, Heated seats, £215, Rear parking sensors £260, LED headlights with cornering £695 | | Why we're running it: | To find out if the Mini is the best five-door premium supermini available for corporate drivers | |
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It's a bit of a cliché with a small car, certainly with Mini, to talk about its 'go-kart handling', but it is still one of the key highlights to running the car.
Many journalists talk of 'vague' steering input when talking about cars that have switched from hydraulic to electrically assisted power steering, but the Mini has made the transition brilliantly.
The steering is really well weighted, with every input on the wheel feeling directly linked to the wheels on the tarmac. The five-door is a pleasure to drive as a result, even if the ride is a bit crashy on its 17-inch alloys. The fact the Mini is so fun to drive is a nice trump card for the five-door, as it's more engaging than its closest rival, the Audi A1.
Mini Hatch 5dr Cooper 1.5D 116
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Mileage 5376 |
Official consumption 78.5mpg |
Our average consumption 49.1mpg |
Forecast/actual CPM 42.2p/44.9p |
P11D price £20,420 |
Model price range £14,350-£21,860 |
Residual value 40.6% |
Depreciation £12,120 |
Fuel cost £4125 |
SMR cost £1918 |
VED £0 |
National Insurance 1353 |
CO2 tax (tax) 95g/km (15%) |
BIK 20/40% per month £51/£102 |
Verdict
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- Much more practical than the three-door
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- Still way off the official MPG
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