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Probably spurred by the resurrection of the original Beetle, BMV made the decision to come out with a redux of the Mini Cooper. This Mini has about as much in common with Alex Issigonis’s original as a P-51 Mustang has with a SPAD Pursuit biplane. In fact, the new Mini has more in common with the new Beetle than with its predecessor. First, it’s bigger and wider. Second, it has luxuries and features only dreamed of in the original economy-oriented puddle-jumper. However, it still has that road gripping, tires-at-the-extreme-corners feel of the original. Heck, they even remade the movie, The Italian Job, utilizing the current version of the original red, white, and blue Minis.
Finally, somebody’s come out with a 1:24 version of the new Mini Cooper. Kudos go to Maisto for bringing out this Special Edition. Nevertheless, probably due to its being a lower price-point image, it’s also a mixed bag of features—some good, some not so good. In the plus column, the image looks as sharp as a razor. The paint job’s flawless, something the low price-point images usually get right. The general proportions are good. Even though the door handles and wipers are molded in, Maisto managed to get them to look decent. In the minus column, the engine bay and undercarriage look…well, molded. The same goes for the interior, though it looks pretty good if you don’t get too close. (What’s with the clear plastic rearview mirror?) The steering doesn’t work, there are no working suspensions, and, though the front wheels can be pivoted, they can’t be left in the right or left turn position. I’m also disappointed with the fact that the rear hatch doesn’t open either—it would have been a nice touch. I just wish Maisto would offer a bit more in its Special Edition line, even if the price were a little bit higher. Maisto might want to reconsider its approach. Overall impression: since it’s the only new Mini in 1:24 scale I’ve seen at any price, it looks above average enough to display with your mint version of the ‘60s Mini Cooper.
BMW has managed to bring back the Mini without losing sight of the primary component—fun. It looks as cute as a bug—even if it isn’t a Beetle.
(09/15/2004)
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