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Mini One CVT

While the last of the old Minis were must-have fashion items, the auto versions had a big image problem. Beloved of district nurses and pensioners, they could be seen struggling up hills while making odd whirring noises. A decade since its demise and the MINI auto is back, but this time with attitude.

By Craig Cheetham

April 2002

While the last of the old Minis were must-have fashion items, the auto versions had a big image problem. Beloved of district nurses and pensioners, they could be seen struggling up hills while making odd whirring noises. A decade since its demise and the MINI auto is back, but this time with attitude.

The new car still makes unusual noises, but that's because it uses a stepless CVT gearbox. Yet unlike other small hatchbacks, the MINI also has a switchable sequential manual mode that allows you to control the engine speed through six pre-defined ratios. However, the manual change isn't as satisfying as it could be, with the CVT pulling you away from the red line as the tachometer creeps upwards. It also brings a slight performance loss over a standard MINI, with 0-60mph possible in 12.3 seconds

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FIRST OPINION

    Around town, few cars match the auto MINI for stylishness, convenience and comfort.
 

AT A GLANCE

    CVT with full or semi-auto sequential shifts for MINI One and Cooper is a
 
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