Mini Cooper Chilli 2004 Review

Things that in the short term were bearable (even quaint and amusing) become untenable irritations with the passage of time.Motor vehicles are no different. Things you thought you couldn't live without – or so the salesman told you – can become a burden while the silly little bit of frippery you found annoying becomes a godsend as you grow to appreciate it.

A motor vehicle will be the second-biggest purchase most people will make in their lives, a decision usually based on a preconceived desire, an advertising campaign and a short drive. Reviewing and test driving cars can have similar pitfalls.

Over the months we will report on what's good and not so good about the car you may be contemplating buying. There will be reports on what it costs to run and service; what makes it a pleasure to own; and the things that make you wish you had spent a little longer looking around before signing on the dotted line.

ONE MONTH LATER
Jaedene Hudson
10dec04

The little MINI has travelled 2026km since it arrived in the CARSguide stable. The biggest trip it has ventured on so far was about two hours south of Sydney.

It was a breeze to drive along the freeway, the high torque figures showing their true colours with no necessity to move out of sixth gear even when travelling up bigger hills.

Travelling the streets at night the reflections off the chromed gauge surrounds gives the MINI an expensive, glamorous feel.

The car has been used for shopping with the rear seats folded down to handle the weekly load.

The MINI has had four drinks from the bowser with 174L consumed over 1664km, returning a reading of 10.5L/100km.

It took less than two weeks for the MINI to become part of the family.

The second side of the double lock-up garage had long been used to store tools but was quickly cleaned out and the MINI rolled into its new home, taking precedence over other cars that were left in the driveway.

One Mini enthusiast, whose garage houses several restored classic models, took the car for a drive to work and back.

His comment: "Gee, it is a good little thing. I won't take it tomorrow because I have already fallen in love with it."

TWO MONTH UPDATE
David Fitzsimons
15jan05

The little yellow and black head-turner is continuing to make its presence felt across Sydney. It has now travelled 4910km, that's some 2300km since its last report card.

While much of that mileage has been battling Sydney traffic in the lead-up to Christmas it also ventured south to Goulburn for a day to Wakefield Park raceway.

The supercharged 1.6-litre engine had plenty of power for tackling the Hume Highway's Southern Highland hills.

Throughout the month the Mini has shared the driveway with some interesting vehicles for comparison, including one of its older brothers and a direct competitor, the Renault Megane Sport.

A friend's restored 1978 yellow Clubman proved an interesting contrast, showing the changes BMW has wrought in the Mini.

The car's larger wheels enable it to sit much higher on the road than the older car, putting the driver at eye level with other motorists.

But despite more than 25 years' difference between the cars there is no mistaking their shared history once you put them side by side.

The Megane stood up well in performance and driveability but the Mini won easily on looks with its sexy retro gauges and switches.