It might be getting bigger with each new generation, but the MINI is also getting better, to the extent that now it truly feels like a cut-size BMW. It's also an award winner, having scooped the Convertible of the Year title at our 2019 awards. In 2018 the car underwent a mid-life update consisting of tweaked exterior styling, more technology fitted and even more ways to personalise it – a key part of the MINI's appeal ever since the car was revived by BMW in 2001. And while it’s possible to spec a highly personalised MINI that’s eye-wateringly expensive, regardless of engine, most versions are actually very well priced if you buy with restraint. And thanks to the five-door version, which retains the character of the three-door but adds more space, it’s now passable family transport, too. The MINI is an upmarket and fashionable hatchback that combines attractive retro styling with a great driving experience. The MINI’s rivals include similarly upmarket offerings like the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo, along with more conventional superminis like the SEAT Ibiza, Mazda 2, Ford Fiesta and Citroen C3. To some extent, the Fiat 500 and its Abarth relative also stand as retro-styled competition, but these are much smaller.

Inside all cars now get a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth and a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen as standard, while MINI now offers a comprehensive MINI Yours Customised programme – highlights include the ability to have the scuttle trim (the plastic next to the side indicators on the front wings) 3D printed with a word, pattern or collection of words and numbers of the customer's choice. Meanwhile, the latest MINI benefitted from the introduction of a new range of turbocharged engines, as well as cabin upgrades. The three-cylinder units are shared with the BMW 1 Series and the BMW X1 crossover, the latter also sharing its platform with the MINI. With the recent update, the range of trim levels became rather more complicated; the familiar 1.5-litre MINI One, more powerful MINI Cooper, sporty 2.0-litre MINI Cooper S, and the full-blown hot hatch MINI John Cooper Works versions are still available, but all except the latter now have three separate ‘Styles’. The entry-level model is the basic but well-equipped Classic, a traditional looking MINI and a blank canvas for your imagination to run wild on the options list. Then comes the Sport with a JCW bodykit, sports suspension, cruise control, and various hot hatch-inspired details. Topping the range is the Exclusive which features most of the Sport’s features, but brings an air of luxury to the MINI, with plenty of leather and chrome details. However, inside, the MINI gets a raft of technology with a fun side, and it's safer, better equipped and more sophisticated than ever. Despite all this, the MINI can also be affordable. Unless you go crazy with the bewildering range of options, the MINI hatch is generally a cost-effective car to run. The 2018 facelift saw the MINI One lose its 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine and instead gain a de-tuned version of the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine from the Cooper. One, Cooper and Cooper S cars also get the option of a new, slicker seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. For an alternative review of the latest MINI Hatchback visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk