The Mini is a true motoring icon that will be 50 years old in 2009. As part of the celebrations, a new Convertible version is going on sale, boosting the latest generation’s line-up to three models. There are no great changes to the new Convertible, relying on a tried and tested formula of go kart-like handling, cute styling and cool image. However, despite the car not looking very different to the old one, there are a number of changes under the skin that bring it bang up to date, including a range of technological advances and environmental measures.
MINI Cooper Convertible full road test report
MINI Cooper Convertible lease prices
MINI Cooper new and nearly new car prices
BMW has fitted its Efficient Dynamics technology to the Mini, under the name Minimalism, so stop/start, brake regeneration and an indicator in the instrument panel that tells you the optimum time to change gear are all fitted as standard. These measures mean that CO2 emissions have been cut to 137g/km for the Cooper and 153g/km for the Cooper S (even the John Cooper Works emits just 169g/km), meaning road tax of just £120 and £145 per year. Fuel consumption has also been reduced – to 49.6mpg for the Cooper and 44.1mpg for the Cooper S. Servicing costs are very low if owners sign up for the TLC package: £185 for the first five years/50,000 miles, or eight years/80,000 miles for £555. And you don’t need to worry about resale values too much: the Mini is hugely desirable, so it should retain around 54-57% of its value after three years.
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