The BIG mini attack

The Mini Cooper has been around for a while now but its popularity shows no sign of dwindling. Its funky design, cool yuppie image, peppy performance and nimble handling have made sure it has stayed as desirable as ever.

So successful was the original redesign of the new Mini in the early part of the 2000s that the current shape - with its chrome accents, two-tone paintwork and sporty “wheel at each corner” stance - has changed little. Think of how Porsche design changes have remained evolutionary rather than revolutionary and you’ll get what I mean.

However, the Mini is about to have the niche in the market that it essentially owned populated by eagerly anticipated models from Audi (the A1) and Citroёn (the DS3).



The press kits from Audi and Citroёn will say something along the lines of “designed for young urbanites in need of something stylish, fun and techno-savvy” but actually, these two cars were designed solely to crash the Mini’s party.



Both cars arrive at opportune times for both manufacturers. Audi is riding a wave of success earned from the successful release of models such as the dramatic R8 and the slinky A5. Citroёn is currently enjoying a revival with the French manufacturer releasing a flood of new models which all have that unique brand of Citroёn quirkiness that’s been missing for way too long.

The reason Mini should be worried is that both these new cars, quite simply, look damn good. Striking lines are common to both and they’re loaded with the very latest gadgets.

Both also follow on from the Mini in being incredibly customisable, a clear indication of the younger audience that they hope to attract. An impressive example of this is the DS3’s roof which can be specified with a number of specially designed decals.

Also, whilst remaining compact in appearance, both the Audi and Citroёn are actually larger and therefore more practical than the Mini.

Apparently, adults can actually sit in the back seat as opposed to neatly folding themselves up in there. The DS3 should arrive in South Africa next month while the A1 will make its entrance early next year.

While both lack the irresistible iconic cachet of the Mini brand, they’re certain to instil more than a few nerves into the BMW-made hatchback.

The big Mini attack has begun and it’s going to be interesting to see if the Cooper’s grip on its segment of the market will remain as strong as the hugely entertaining way it grips the road.