This reimagined icon of 1960s British pop culture burst onto the motoring scene in 2001 manufactured by German marque, BMW. In its first five years of volume production, it sold over 800 000 around the world. The external design of the MINI stayed true to its phenomenally successful forebear, in that it was reminiscent of it while at the same time, showed a completely modern design - inside and out. MINI's styling remains instantly recognisable; the 2007 facelift was impressive, yet subtle.
The Mini Cooper's 1.5l 3-cylinder petrol engine delivers 100kW. It is the perfect combination of power and efficiency. The car's aesthetic appeal includes contrasting roof colours and mirror caps, safety bar, grille fins and tailgate handle in high-gloss black, 16" light-alloy wheels and chrome-plated tailpipe trim.
Cooper drivers love the quick, responsive steering and six-speed manual gearbox, which make traffic driving fun and the open road sheer joy - especially for some impressive cornering.
The sporty Mini Cooper S features a 2.0l 4-cylinder petrol engine with 141kW for a dynamic driving experience. The performance and aesthetic are further enhanced by air intakes on the bumper and bonnet; the rear apron has a diffuser insert and the centrally positioned dual tailpipes as well as the rear spoiler are unique to the Cooper S.
The Mini Cooper is available in two types of convertible: soft top from 2002 and roadster from 2011.
The 5-door Hatch has given drivers more room for passengers and cargo with the same performance (141kw output) and handling (low centre of gravity) that Mini is adored for.
Mini Coopers boast BMW reliability and safety but be sure to inspect the timing-chain and air-con evaporator, which have been known to cause problems and are not cheap to repair. Try and find a vehicle with a full service history as spares are expensive because these are imported cars and very tricky engines to work on due to their compact design.