New MINI Cooper takes on supermini rivals

MINI has been setting the premium supermini benchmark ever since the original debuted nearly 15 years ago. But with more and more rivals muscling in on its patch, the all-new third-generation model will have its work cut out to maintain the winning streak.

The British brand has pulled out all the stops for its baby. Not only is the car bigger and more refined than before, it’s backed up by a range of all-new turbocharged engines, plus some seriously hi-tech big car kit from parent company BMW.

Lining up against the new MINI are two of the best upmarket small cars money can buy. The Citroen DS3 is full of design flair and, in DSport guise, is fun to drive yet well equipped and cheap to run. Meanwhile, the classy Audi A1 sets the standard for quality and image in this class thanks to its beautifully crafted interior and strong badge appeal. So which of our slick small cars will win this big-hitting contest?

• New MINI hatchback review

• Citroen DS3 review

• Audi A1 review

Click the links to read our verdict on each car, then read on here to see our test winner.

Head-to-head

Personalisation

All of our contenders can be customised using a variety of bodywork graphics and colours. For instance, the DS3 is available with a number of £400 roof decals, £100 mirror finishers and various interior trim combinations.

The MINI matches the Citroen for exterior and interior styling additions, plus it can be fitted with numerous big car gadgets and gizmos. Even the straight-laced Audi can be specified with a £350 contrasting roofline.

Technology

Gadget fans will love the MINI, as it leads the way for hi-tech kit. The list of available options includes a £255 rear view camera, £670 LED headlamps, £375 adaptive dampers and a £375 head-up display. Better still, the £1,575 Media Pack includes sat-nav and mobile Internet connection.

Carrying capacity

Despite an increase in exterior size, the MINI still struggles for space – its rear seats are cramped and it has a tiny 211-litre luggage space. The Audi features a larger load area, but has an even smaller rear bench. Best of the bunch is the Citroen, which is a full five-seater and has a decent 285-litre carrying capacity.

Verdict

1st place: MINI

The brilliant MINI is better than ever. Yes, the boot is still small and the rear cramped, but the car sets new standards for refinement and hi-tech kit, and is still as much fun to drive as previous models. And while it’s not cheap to buy, it costs pennies to run.

2nd place: Citroen DS3

It can’t match its rivals for upmarket badge appeal, but the Citroen is good value, fun to drive and surprisingly roomy. Plus, it’s available with a raft of personalisation options, and its 1.6-litre diesel is punchy. It’s just not as refined as the MINI.

3rd place: Audi A1

A beautifully executed interior and plenty of upmarket appeal make the A1 a desirable buy. Yet it’s undermined by a lacklustre driving experience and a sluggish, raucous diesel. It can’t be customised to the extent of the MINI or Citroen, either.

Figures