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CAR OF THE WEEK: SEAT Mii 5dr FR-Line 1.0 12v 75 PS 5-speed manual (price: £11,715)

CITY CARS are a competitive sector within the industry and the Spanish representative in the small vehicle battle is SEAT’S dinky Mii.

However, the Mii that had my attention only hit the marketplace last year. I had a strikingly sport oriented FR Line version of the Mii for evaluation.

It comes with sizeable 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, dark tinted rear windows and a black dash panel, while sports suspension – dropped by 15 mm from standard – gives a more dynamic feel behind the wheel.

Distinguishing it from other Miis on the outside, are two unique items, Atom Grey door mirrors and tasteful black exterior door graphics.

The Mii may be the most inexpensive model in the SEAT range but it does not cut corners on technology. A good example of this is the availability of the SEAT Portable System Live. A compact, removable and lightweight all-in-one infotainment unit, it’s cutting-edge, user friendly and good value. And despite being portable, it’s still perfectly integrated into the dashboard design of the car – no more loose wires or irritating suction cup rings on the windscreen.

The unit combines satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an on-board computer and audio playback via an SD card, and all controlled using a five-inch touchscreen. Online updates and downloadable apps increase its functionality still further and it integrates with the car radio seamlessly.

Meanwhile, Safety Assist is an equally affordable option and provides an extra level of reassurance at urban speeds by applying the brakes automatically in the event of a potential frontal collision (3 19 mph). A long-standing commitment to the highest safety standards has delivered a five-star Euro NCAP overall rating for the Mii, helped by the fitment of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and four airbags across all models; the Mii really is in the big car leagues when it comes to safety. Every Mii comes with four airbags as standard: front driver and passenger, and two headthorax. Front passenger airbag de-activation is standard, for fitment of rear-facing child seats, and there are two rear Isofix mounts, including top tether anchorage points. Front and rear ‘fasten seatbelt’ warnings are standard, too.

Despite being a compact vehicle the Mii still ticks a box for practicality.

It has a spacious cabin that’s easily accessed through the wide-opening driver and passenger doors. As you’d expect, the five-door model makes the rear seats even easier to get into, while there are a number of other clever touches that boost the car’s flexibility. There’s enough room for four adults to sit in relative comfort, but legroom in the back may be a bit tight for taller occupants, especially on longer journeys. It’s perfect for kids, though, making the Mii a great school-run car.

Storage space inside is good, with a decent-sized glovebox and door bins giving you plenty of room to keep odds and ends like water bottles, sunglasses and small bags.

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