Autocar 31st August 2004 :
Mini Cooper is the best new car on sale in Britain Today

"Every single cynical Autocar road tester would put their own money into one.  Few cars transcend their brand or price bracket as effortlessly as the Mini Cooper.  You want one whatever your budget and you desire one even if you know you can't afford it.  That's an intoxicating prospect for car ownership and that's why its top of the pile; the best real-world car on sale in Britain."

"... a driver of any skill level will find something to enjoy.  Masses of grip when you want it, a whiff of lift-off oversteer when you don't and, at all times, huge stability, tight body control and darty steering that always has a reassuring meatiness to it"

"One of the Mini's greatest strengths is that £12,100 gets you unparalleled opulence in this price bracket and several above it."

"We challenge you to find a model without near-perfect panel fit"

"... a fabulously fun little car, plain and simple."