SEAT MII
The Seat Mii is a spritely, engaging little city car that represents superb value for money.
When you talk about the Seat Mii, it is impossible not to mention the Volkswagen up!, a city car introduced in 2011 and the car upon which the Mii is based upon. In 2012 the up! won the World Car of the Year award, but truthfully, it is an award shared between the up! the Skoda Citigo, and the Seat Mii.
The differences between these 3 cars are minimal. They all have virtually the same dimensions, equipment and engines, and they’re also all built in the same Volkswagen facility in Slovakia, though subtle styling variations set them apart. The Mii, just like the up! and the Citigo, is available in 3 or 5-door forms.
To drive, the Seat Mii is a lightweight, nimble little machine with precise handling and great driver communication. Its joyful handling characteristics make it a popular machine with people who need a small car but enjoy the feel of driving, as well as with people who just need a practical little city car for their lifestyles.
Under its bonnet you’ll only find one engine, a tiny 1.0-litre ‘MPI’ 3-cylinder petrol that can be chosen to put out either 60 or 74bhp.Whichever output you choose, you’ll get a 5-speed manual gearbox to control it, there are no automatic options. Both power outputs have under 100g/km of CO2 emission and both also offer a combined cycle mpg return of over 50, but neither helps the Mii feel particularly fast. Instead, the joy of driving a Mii is taken from maintaining the momentum it already has and the poise with which is takes corners.
Key to the Mii’s affordability is the fact that it’s a fairly simple machine. You won’t find much in the way of luxuries in this little car, but then again, it’s not intended to be anything than affordable, enjoyable personal transport. In the range you’ll find air conditioning, upgraded interior and exterior trims and Bluetooth, but not a lot more.
The Seat Mii is proof that sometimes the simple things are the best. Very few city cars can match it for its appeal, with its driving dynamics and fun approach to motoring, it is right up there with the very best of its segment.