The Mini may have performed well as a company car in three-door form but the arrival of the five-door model has opened it up to a much greater audience who either have to have five doors or need extra space – all without diluting the appeal of the model’s uniquely retro styling and fun-to-drive nature.
With a range of efficient turbocharged petrol and diesel motors, and strong residual values, it almost doesn’t matter which model of Mini users opt for, as low whole-life costs are practically guaranteed. However, the Cooper and Cooper D models should win over fleet users. Most efficient of all is the three-door One D, which currently slots into the 16% BIK band and returns up to 83.1mpg, despite scampering to 62mph in a reasonably nippy 11.0 seconds.
The range gets a touch of glamour later this year with the arrival of a new drop-top Mini Convertible model launching in March. Boot space is increased by a quarter over the previous model, and Mini is also offering greater space for rear seat passengers.
Whichever Mini users opt for, though, there are few cars in its sector that offer so many smiles per gallon.
