When they say go-kart handling - they are not lying. Nice thing is that it manages to maintain respectable ride quality while flying through the turns with no visible effort.
1.6L 4-cylinder is a small engine. Add a turbocharger to it and it will surprise you. You get a smile when you step on the accelerator and you get a smile when the time comes to fill up the car.
BMW build quality makes its way into MINI brand in everything from seating surfaces to headliner and plastic parts.