SYDNEY: MINI Australia has added a new entry-level model to its recently launched Cooper 5-Door range this week, in the form of the ‘One’.
Joining its base-model counterpart in the three-door hatch range, the Cooper One 5-Door enters at $26,050 plus on-road costs.
Shaving $1700 from the price of entry into 5-Door range, the One 5-Door gets a less powerful engine and a shorter equipment list than its up-spec siblings.
Like the $24,500 three-door One, the new entry 5-Door is driven by a 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine producing 75kW and 180Nm – the latter available from 1400rpm.
Matched to a six-speed manual transmission, the small petrol engine lists fuel use at 5.0 l/100km. A six-speed auto can be had for an extra $2350.
By comparison, the regular Cooper 5-Door gets you a 100kW/220Nm 1.5 three-cylinder and six-speed manual. Interestingly, this combination lists fuel use at an even lower 4.9 l/100km.
Standard kit for the Cooper One 5-Door includes rear Park Distance Control, Auto Stop/Start, Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic differential lock control.
Bluetooth hands-free calling is also standard, although you’ll have to upgrade to the Cooper if you want to stream your favourite tunes.
As with its three-door counterpart, the Cooper One 5-Door gets 15-inch steel wheels with caps, which is a step down from the regular model’s 15-inch alloys.
Also dropped for the One is the regular model’s three-spoke steering wheel and steering-mounted controls, replaced instead with a bare two-spoke wheel.
Other key features standard with the Cooper but missing from the Cooper One include automatic headlights and wipers, height-adjustable passenger seat, the front row’s centre arm rest and storage compartment, floor mats, the ‘Hazy Grey’ highlights and interior LED lighting.
If that all sounds like a bag of unnecessary parts, and if you’re a MINI fan running on the tighest budget possible, the Cooper One 5-Door could be just the option for you.
Although we’d recommend cutting back on the four-dollar take-away skinny mochaccinos until you can afford the regular Cooper 5-Door.
