We list 6 alternatives to the Mini Cooper that are similar in size, fun to drive and offer a similar experience.
Alternatively speaking
The Mini Cooper is one of those much-loved cars as it’s retro and distinctive. The Cooper is also famous for its fun go-kart-like handling. Let’s not forget to mention, the John Cooper Works upgrade heightens the fun levels.
However, the Cooper is best suited to certain lifestyles only and when life changes and families expand, the car sometimes has to go. Growing families require more space all around, be it in the rear seat or in the boot. Let it be said that space is the main reason for selling a Mini. Its owners are definitely not selling it because they’re bored of its quirks. In fact, it’s one of the key things they like about the Mini, says my Mini-owning co-worker peering over my shoulder as I write this. I mean, you would think they tire of that strange dash, so we think, with our traditional layouts, but nope. That’s definitely not it.
Or maybe that quirky interior isn’t for you like it isn’t for me, and I can say it now because he’s gone back to his desk, so I’ve researched some cars that share some of the Cooper’s best traits. These six cars below are also relatively small-in-size and fun to drive but have the advantage of more cargo space. I’m sure there’s one here you can find that has the right balance to fit your lifestyle.
Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI
You’re getting four doors here and a little more room for a family. The GTI variant is the sporty model in the Golf range and a 2.0 TSI engine that puts out 180kW is standard.
Since the GTI is a compact car, as opposed to the Cooper being a subcompact car, it is a little larger overall and fairly spacious while the rear seats are comfortable for three. The GTI’s 374-litre boot capacity increases to over 1 200-litres when you fold the rear seats while in the Cooper, you’re getting a 211-litre boot capacity. The GTI is priced nearly R200 000 higher than the MINI Cooper 3 Door but you’re getting more performance and practicality for the money.
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Fiat 500 Abarth
You’re getting retro styling from the 500 division and fun from the Abarth division all for R579 900. This little car does have a little more style than quality though, but like the Cooper, it also has a small back seat and little cargo space. But if you’re looking at price tags, then know that the Abarth does deliver performance for less moola.
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KIA Soul
Modern, yet quirky, the KIA Soul puts practicality to the fore. The Soul has taken two awards for 2017 Best Compact Car for the Money and Best Compact Car for Families at the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Cars for the Money awards. This was as a result of its safety scores, price and reliability. You can expect the 1.6 CRDi STREET to put out 94 kW of power at 4,000 r/min and 260 Nm of torque between 1 900 and 2 750 r/min. You’re getting a 354-litre boot capacity while rear seats allow for 60/40 split-folding and the driver’s seat is adjustable. When new, the Soul Street was selling for R376 995 but can be only be found on the used car market now.
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Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 is an affordable modern sports car with great fuel economy. It’s famous for its handling and rates well among sports cars, convertibles and enthusiasts. Just read about how Chad Lückhoff raves about it, being an owner of a couple of MX-5s. It’s not all soft top though and the Rf version offers a folding hardtop for the best of both worlds.
The one problem it has though is that you are required to travel light. Exceptionally light. Even lighter than you would in the Cooper. With only a few places to stash things in the interior and 130-litre boot capacity, you’re travelling with necessities only. The Mazda MX-5 was discontinued locally a few years ago but low-mileage models can still be found on the used market.
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Audi A1
If you’re looking for a proper alternative to the Mini, the Audi A1 may just be the best option. Boot space is reasonable, with 335-litres of room while the premium nature of both the brand and the product itself lends itself perfectly to the average Mini Cooper buyer. There are 1.0-litre, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engine options all paired with S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes.
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BMW 2 Series
MINI Cooper fans can keep it in the family when upgrading and look toward the BMW 2 Series, or the 3 Series. Although upping your budget will be necessary as 2 Series cars can be found starting from R716 072. It offers great value for its price and plenty of cargo space in the boot, 430 litres in the Gran Coupe to be exact. The car is built for sporty driving and it delivers on that count. The rear seats will be cramped for adults but kids should have a decent amount of space The base 1.5-litre turbocharged engine puts out 103 kW and 220 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.9 litres/100km on a combined cycle.
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