Mini Hatch: Iconic Hatchback Overview and Review

Introduction

Voted as one of the most influential cars of the twentieth century, the Mini Hatch (originally known as just the Mini) is unequivocally one of the most iconic and popular cars to have ever been built. The first Mini was the mastermind of the late Sir Alec Issigonis and was produced by the then auto giant British Motor Corporation. Released to the public in 1959, the Mini quickly garnered attention from across the globe. After several iterations, the original Mini was discontinued in 2000. However, after BMW entered the scene, the German marque reignited the Mini blaze, leading to the birth of the Mini Hatch brand.

Generations and Variants

Over the next three generations, the Mini Hatch saw modernization with better engines, technology, and safety equipment, resulting in the (almost) complete package it is today. The outgoing avatar of the Mini Hatch was launched in 2013 and is built upon BMW’s UKL platform. In the UAE, the Mini Hatch is available in both three-door and five-door variants, competing with models like:

• Volkswagen Beetle
• BMW 1-Series
• Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Exterior Design

The Mini Hatch is known for its small yet plucky design. Even in its practical five-door form, it measures 4.005 meters in length, 1.727 meters in width, and 1.428 meters in height. The three-door version is even smaller, with a length of 3.821 meters, height of 1.414 meters, and a wheelbase of 2.495 meters. The boot space is 278 liters for the five-door and 211 liters for the three-door variant.

The design features a sloping, flush hood, trademark circular headlamps with LED detailing, a low-mounted split grille, and two large fog lamps built into the bumper.

Along the sides, the contrasting theme is accentuated by the two-tone paint job and all-black door pillars, chic alloy wheels, funky door-mounted mirrors, sleek door handles, metallic fuel cap, and mildly flared fenders. The rear showcases a protruding spoiler, trademark Mini LED tail lights with chrome surrounds, and a sporty rear bumper with faux vents, fog lamps, and twin exhausts in the spirited S trim.

Interior Features

The interior of the Mini Hatch is full of stylish design elements that catch your attention every time you enter the car. Notable features include:

• Meaty steering wheel
• Motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster
• Large circular housing for the infotainment display
• Quirky door handles and gear selector
• Airplane-styled toggle switches on the center pedestal

While build quality and materials are commendable, space can be tight for taller passengers. However, the Mini Hatch offers modern features, including:

• Keyless entry with toggle-switch engine start
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Head-up display
• Leather-upholstered sports seats
• Ambient LED lighting
• Adaptive cruise control
• MINI driving modes
• 8.8-inch touch-infotainment display with navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth
• Electronic parking brake

Engine and Performance

The most potent variant of the Mini Hatch is the John Cooper Works (JCW) three-door model, which packs 228hp and 320Nm from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, mated to an automatic gearbox. This performance allows it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 246 km/h.

Verdict

The Mini Hatch range is priced between AED 145,950 for the entry-level three-door and AED 198,450 for the fully-equipped JCW variant.