My Ex use to have a Mini Cooper.
She liked it but if i got in the front, the passenger seat use to go all the way back (I'm 6ft1) so no1 in the back. But if her and her mates aren't too tall(5ft5 ish), they'll get and It'll be ok.
A quick word with my G/f who's sitting next to me:
Pug - prefers the 206.
Don't like the clios.
Corsa luks dodgy.
and fiestas ugly (boxy)...
she's 18 btw.
I;d go for the mini too, use to have a cooper S and bought it from Mini from Chester Road and under warranty, they put in a new clutch, flywheel, changed a lowd of bushes. Also, rear seats backings, steering rack, all new brakes and pads were put in before i bought it as it was used... and a few more bobs were put in so the service is absolutly top!
Runing costs of the mini will probs be the most expensive (service) but they are really good cars and well made....
Can she not go for a Cooper though? I think the One is a bit basic and you can get the cooper remaped to be as same as the cooper S !
They sound really good too!
Unsure on the latest ones but the pre-facelift had a chilli pack (can't remember what it is but get it!! I remember only looking at minsi with the chilli thing!)
Mini all the way!
Hope this helps