After its acquisition by BMW, Mini underwent a remarkable revival spearheaded by the sporty and stylish Hatch. We highlight what you should know about the three generations of Mini Hatch.
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The original Mini has become a symbol of 1960s British culture. First produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and later British Leyland, the brand was sold to BMW in 1994 as part of the German automaker’s acquisition of the Rover Group. With the intent to rejuvenate the brand while retaining the car’s distinctive character, BMW launched the first Mini Hatch in 2001, igniting a successful revival that’s still going strong in 2024.
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Since 2001, there have been three generations of the Mini Hatch, formerly known as the Cooper. The second-generation arrived in 2007, and was followed by the current Hatch in 2013. While a new fourth-generation Mini Hatch, renamed Cooper, was revealed earlier this year – ushering in a raft of new tech and more modern design elements – the first three iterations, including the facelifts and special edition models, have been monumental success stories; retaining the familiar, customary design ethos of the 60s original.
The Mini Hatch’s design pays homage to the original car, continuing with the round headlamps, wide stance, and compact dimensions. The Mini Hatch grew slightly with the second-generation model, housing new safety technologies and serving up greater levels of interior space. Yet, while all of these were at play, the quintessential Mini aesthetic remained. The third generation (2013) continued with the design ethos of its forebears, and again Mini introduced new technologies and aerodynamic gains.
The 2001 Mini Hatch’s true attraction was its distinctive interior. Combining retro elements with modern touches, the cabin featured a large, centrally mounted speedometer – a clear nod to the crowning item of the original car’s dashboard. In 2007, Mini stepped its game up and significantly improved the Hatch’s interior. The speedometer remained, but the ergonomics were a lot more refined and user-friendly. The CD player audio system was retained, but now featured Bluetooth connectivity, improved speakers, and a raft of upgraded materials. Satellite navigation was added as an optional extra.
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With the third generation, the central speedometer was replaced with a more conventional instrument cluster in front of the driver, while the centre console housed a high-resolution infotainment screen. A Mini-tweaked version of BMW’s iDrive system was also integrated into the infotainment system.
Throughout its three generations, BMW equipped the Mini Hatch with a choice of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all mated with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The real heroes in the range have always been the JCW (John Cooper Works) models. Bringing storming performance to the party, the first Mini Hatch (Cooper) JCW in 2008 saw 155 kW and 260 N.m extracted from its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. In 2016, the Mini Cooper JCW’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol pushed out 170 kW/320 N.m, hitting 100 km/h from standstill in just 6.3 seconds.
Despite its popularity, the Mini Hatch is no stranger to technical issues. Power steering pump failures are not uncommon and can be fixed, but it’s sometimes more cost-effective to replace the entire unit should problems arise. The timing chain tensioner should also be inspected regularly, with timely replacements where necessary. Failure to do so could result in severe engine damage. Checking the water pump and thermostat housing for leaks is also advisable to prevent issues with overheating or damage to the head gasket. Issues with the infotainment screen and device connectivity troubles can, in most cases, be resolved with a software update.
The Mini Hatch is a far cry from the car upon which it’s based, but it represents the advancements made to a legendary name since changing ownership 30 years ago.
Volkswagen Polo
The locally built Volkswagen Polo is a very popular car in South Africa. And like the Mini Hatch, it’s also grown to become a larger, more mature, car. Widely regarded as the segment leader (even if sales have dwindled of late), the Polo has seen six generations come to market since its introduction in 1975. Recently, the German automotive giant gave its local arm exclusive rights to continue building the Polo for the next few years.
The sixth-generation Polo, which was launched in 2017, is available in either hatchback or sedan guise and features an all-petrol engine line-up. A five-speed manual, six-speed automatic, or seven-speed DSG transmission channel power to the front wheels. The range-topping Polo GTI employs a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine that develops 147 kW and 320 N.m, with accompanying performance figures of 6.7 seconds (0 – 100 km/h) and a 238 km/h top speed.
The Polo is not without fault and owners of Polos with the DSG transmission have reported jerky shifts and clutch slippage. Though regular maintenance or a software update can sometimes solve the issues, a clutch replacement or comprehensive transmission service might be necessary. The electronic parking brake can also malfunction, failing to engage or disengage. Again, a software update can possibly resolve the issue, but inspecting the electronic control unit (ECU) or the parking brake actuator might answer some questions if the issue persists.
Although the Polo is on the pricier end, it is no doubt a reflection of Volkswagen’s ability to adapt to market needs and requirements, and the local division’s ability to build a world-class car.
Audi A1
The Audi A1 has been around since 2010, making its South African debut in 2011. Although some were shocked by Audi’s decision to enter the premium subcompact car segment, the decision proved fruitful, attracting younger buyers looking for a stylish and compact alternative to the norm. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s PQ25 platform, which it shares with the fifth-generation Polo, the A1 quickly garnered a reputation for being the private-schooled sibling to the public-school Polo. Yet, despite the similarities, the two cars managed to coexist in the same ecosystem for the last 14 years, each bringing unique takes to their segment.
The A1, now in its second generation since 2017, has seen many engine and gearbox options make up its portfolio over the years. The current line-up comprises five derivatives, with a choice of three engines and two automatic transmissions. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine is shared with the Polo, while the 1.5-litre is also in use in the VW T-Cross. The unit in the A1 40TFSI S Line is shared with Polo GTI.
Given that the A1 shares many of its components with the Polo, similar issues pertaining to the powertrain and infotainment have been noted, too. Other notable issues to be aware of is possible suspension wear. Components such as the bushings and shocks may wear out prematurely. Replacing these will aid help maintain both ride quality and handling performance.
As the entry point to owning an Audi, the A1 offers entry-level luxury at an accessible price point. Despite its compact size, it is a premium product with advanced infotainment systems, premium materials, and a stylish interior. And for the brand-conscious, the A1 presents a certain level of prestige and status.
Find the full feature in the September issue of CAR Magazine.
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