New vs used cheap cars: Kia Picanto or MINI Cooper?

The MINI also steals a march on its new rival when it comes to interior ambience. High-grade materials
are used throughout, while the smart design adds to the Cooper’s upmarket vibes. It’s well equipped too, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen complete with Apple CarPlay, and ambient cabin lighting. The 2021 example we found featured extras including a Harman Kardon hi-fi and a heated steering wheel. 

Keen drivers will get a bigger thrill out of the MINI, its characterful 134bhp 1.5-litre three-pot petrol delivering warm-hatch pace, while the car’s quick steering and nimble handling make it great fun on a twisty back road. The taut suspension is a little firm around town, but excellent refinement, a six-speed gearbox and supportive sports seats make the Cooper a superior long-distance companion.

However, its practicality is a downside. Despite being around 400mm longer than the Kia, there’s only a little more space for rear-seat passengers and the 278-litre boot is barely any bigger. What’s more, despite having a decent haul of safety kit, the Cooper was awarded the same four-star rating as the Picanto by Euro NCAP.

By now the MINI’s three-year warranty will have expired, but a fifth-place finish in our 2024 Driver Power owner satisfaction poll suggests it should be a trouble-free choice. Claimed fuel economy of 51.4mpg and the brand’s excellent servicing packages mean the Cooper won’t cost a king’s ransom to run either.

Used MINI Cooper deals

Cheap car buying advice

In terms of space, practicality, running costs and standard kit, there’s little to separate these great-value small cars. 

With its generous warranty and low running costs, the Kia makes sense for those wanting a trouble-free runaround. However, for us the MINI’s upmarket image, sparkling driving experience and classy cabin just offset its fractionally higher running costs.

Looking for a new or used small car? All the best deals are right here…