First drive: Special-edition Mini 1499 GT is a stylish bargain, but could do with more power

What is it?

Fast forward to 2018 and the brand aims to hark back to those days with the 1499 GT. This time, it’s far from a range-topper – it’s based on the base-spec Mini One, and the 1499 refers not just to the 1,499cc displacement of its 101bhp engine but the number of examples Mini intends to make.

What’s new?

Inside, JCW sports seats are the biggest change, but there’s also a sports steering wheel and John Cooper Works side sills and badging.

What’s under the bonnet?

The engine is also rather out of character for a Mini – it’s lethargic rather than eager, with a reluctance to pick up revs and a lack of low-end torque. It’s also rather thrashy at the top end.

If you’re using the Mini as an everyday commuter, this might not matter, and the engine does make for a rather refined motorway drive, with sixth gear long enough for relaxed cruising.

What’s it like to drive?

Grip is plentiful and should you overcook things the Mini remains safe and predictable. The lack of adjustable driving modes in the 1499 GT actually improves matters, with the standard drive feeling purer than any artificially heightened ‘Sport’ features.

How does it look?

One of our favourite features were the standard-fit spotlights, which add a fantastic retro-sporting touch to the front of the car. It’s just a shame that the basic nature of the 1499 GT means you only get old-fashioned halogen bulbs, losing the slick LED daytime running lights of pricier models and spoiling the looks when the car is switched on.

Of course, the basic shape of the Mini remains, which means you get the classic wheel-at-each-corner stance, an upright windscreen and plenty of charm thrown in.

What’s it like inside?

Consider the Mini as a two-seater and you won’t be disappointed, but anyone in the back seat had better be very short indeed. The bulky sports seats limit legroom even further than normal, though headroom is decent. The boot is also very small.

What’s the spec like?

Parking sensors or a reversing camera are also lacking, but the 1499 GT does come with basic air-conditioning, keyless start, DAB radio, Bluetooth and stop-start engine tech.

As with any Mini, a bargain purchase price is no indication of what most buyers pay. You can spec the 1499 GT up to good levels, but it’ll certainly cost you a lot in options to do so.

Verdict

Any version of the Mini is a style-led proposition and this is a brief the 1499 GT fills very well. It looks great, and combines this with genuine ability especially on twisting back roads. Though keen drivers will appreciate the chassis tweaks, they’ll likely overlook the 1499 GT in favour of a more powerful Cooper or Cooper S – and given the lazy nature of this base-spec engine, we wouldn’t blame them. Still, if you want an exclusive (only 1,499 will be made), good-looking and great-handling car that won’t break the bank to buy or run, you could do a lot worse than the 1499 GT.Facts