There are plenty of great cars that are similar to a Mini Cooper.
That’s not surprising, because Mini’s formula of retro-flavoured design mixed with a posh, up-to-date interior has been immensely popular. But the Mini Cooper won’t suit everyone – it’s a bit small inside, for a start – or maybe you just want something a bit different. Here are the best like a Mini to test-drive this year.
Shop used Mini Cooper cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Mini Cooper review
Fiat 500
Better than the Mini for: parking in tight spaces
The Fiat 500 and Mini have been seeking suburban supremacy since the 1950s, and the two latest models bring those classic designs bang up to date. Fiat launched this car in 2020 as a purely electric car, but now it’s shoehorned in a petrol engine to create the 500 Ibrida (Hybrid) – because EV sales haven’t been quite as strong as forecasted. Either way, the 500 is still a super city car with a tight turning circle and matchbox-like dimensions. City parking in most cars is a battle of nerves and wits – it’s almost relaxing in the 500e.
Shop used Fiat 500 cars for sale or read our Fiat 500e review
Skoda Fabia
Better than the Mini for: practicality
There’s no getting around the fact that the Mini has cramped rear seats and a small boot – even if you pick the five-door model. If you need more space, you might need to accept that maybe now isn’t the right time for carefree Cooper capers. One of the most practical and sensible superminis is the Skoda Fabia, with nearly twice the boot space of Mini’s hatchback and much roomier passenger accommodation. The Fabia’s styling is smart and timeless, and you can get it in a two-tone colour scheme for a more youthful appearance.
Shop used Skoda Fabia cars for sale or read our Skoda Fabia review
Renault Clio
Better than the Mini for: infotainment
Mini’s latest infotainment system looks fantastic – we love the unique circular screen and the pin-sharp graphics. The various animations it does are fun, too. But all the information you’re shown is displayed in such a scattergun way that you’re never quite sure where to look. Renault’s Google-based infotainment system in the Clio is much calmer and more streamlined, getting you where you need to go without feeling like you’ve been trying to control a hyperactive child. It also helps that the Clio's cabin is stylish and the ride is composed.
Shop used Renault Clio cars for sale or read our Renault Clio review
Alpine A290
Better than the Mini for: standing out
You can have the sporty John Cooper Works styling package with every engine in the Mini range. Many buyers like having the looks of the performance model without the associated running costs. But the flipside of that is that it dilutes the exclusivity of the top model. Conversely, there’s no mistaking the Alpine A290 for the Renault 5 it’s based on, with its almost jokey X-motif spotlights, widened bodywork and pert boot spoiler. The electric A290 is a good match for the Mini Cooper SE when it comes to range, performance, interior quality and cost.
Shop used Alpine A290 cars for sale
Lexus LBX
Better than the Mini for: being an SUV
Maybe you were drawn to the Mini for its superb interior over its keen handling. In which case, you want a luxurious small car that ticks boxes for the heart and the head. The Lexus LBX certainly has the styling verve to captivate you (and you can get it in yellow. Go on, be brave…) and the posh interior will leave an impression on every journey. And, with a modestly powered hybrid engine capable of 65mpg, the LBX impresses your numbers side as well. You also sit a bit higher than the Mini, giving you a clearer view of the road.
Shop used Lexus LBX cars for sale or read our Lexus LBX review
Citroen C3
Better than the Mini for: comfort
Part of the Mini experience is its sporty handling and superb body control, but the tradeoff is that some versions are quite firm. If you’d like something a bit more soothing than the Mini, check out the comfort-first Citroen C3. Soak into its squidgy seats and you won’t want to drive fast at all – put some mellow tunes on and relax. You’ll stop wincing over potholes and your back will thank you.
Shop used Citroen C3 cars for sale or read our Citroen C3 review
Fiat Grande Panda
Better than the Mini for: fun design touches
While the latest Mini Cooper has had its styling smoothed and cleaned up, the Fiat Grande Panda has gone big on funky little additions. You’ll have no doubt what it is when you see the Panda stamping in the bodywork and the tile-like badges on the bootlid – and there are a whole lot more Easter eggs to find. Like the Mini, the Grande Panda is a joyful car inside and out, and the blue-and-yellow interior is completely different to anything you’ll find on the market.
Read our Fiat Grande Panda review
Suzuki Swift
Better than the Mini for: fuel economy
With fuel costs so high right now, you might be looking to swap for a car with low running costs. The Suzuki Swift is a featherweight by modern standards, and Suzuki’s efforts are rewarded with excellent fuel economy. We’ve seen 70mpg on a run around town, but don’t mistake the Swift for a boring econobox – its lightness makes it surprisingly fun to drive as well.
Shop used Suzuki Swift cars for sale or read our Suzuki Swift review
Hyundai Inster
Better than the Mini for: packaging
It’s easy to forget that the Mini is still one of the smallest cars on the road, so it’s well worth looking at if you’ve only got a small parking space. But its iconic shape and relatively long bonnet eats into passenger space. The Hyundai Inster, on the other hand, doesn’t need to lean on its history and can therefore be packaged more efficiently. Although fractionally shorter than the Mini, the Inster has real room for four adults – and easier access with the extra doors – as well as bigger boot and some fantastic upfront storage. Oh dear, we must be getting old if we’re describing cupholders as ‘fantastic’...
Shop used Hyundai Inster cars for sale or read our Hyundai Inster review
Mazda MX-5
Better than the Mini for: being a convertible sports car
If you don’t need the limited practicality of a Mini, why not go the whole way and get yourself a sports car to enjoy? The MX-5 is a delightful and dainty daily driver, with a laser-sharp focus on lightness that means the modest engines don’t feel underpowered. That helps fuel economy too, even if that’s not likely to be much of a consideration. You’ll truly appreciate opting for a soft-top on balmy summer evenings when it’s just you and half a million flies on the road.
Shop used Mazda MX-5 cars for sale or read our Mazda MX-5 review
