MINI

The MINI range is anything but small! It now includes a quirky Clubman ‘estate’, the practical Countryman 4x4 and the racy coupe. But it was the hatchback that started the retro craze, and it's still a strong seller. As well as being fashionable, it's fun to drive, well made and holds its value well. However, top specification cars are expensive to buy, especially if you go crazy with the options.

Watch our overview of the MINI range

MINI hatchback

3 Doors
Price £11,870 - £41,005

4.5 /5

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Prices & Specs

pros:
Fun handling
Premium image
Cheap to run across the range

cons:
Seeing so many of them on the road
Lack of boot and rear seat space
Potholes rattle the cabin

With its bug-eyed appearance, the MINI's design is shamelessly retro, yet it's still a unique looking car. The MINI is popular because of its sharp handling and the potential for personalisation with its (pricey) optional extras. It's expensive to buy, but is cheap to run, with outstanding fuel economy across the range; the Cooper D diesel is especially efficient. The MINI remains the benchmark premium small car, imitated by the Fiat 500 and Citroen DS3, but not bettered yet.

See full MINI hatchback range

MINI convertible

2 Doors
Price £15,870 - £24,860

4.2 /5

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Prices & Specs

pros:
Upmarket image
Fabric roof operates quickly and easily
Running costs are low

cons:
Wind noise with the roof down
Tiny boot and rear seats
Potholes cause the cabin to rattle

The standard MINI hatchback has tiny rear seats and a minute boot... So making space for the fabric hood makes the Convertible even more impractical. That aside, this MINI does everything else a small convertible should very well: it's fun to drive, has loads of space up front, is cheap to run, and the electric roof folds quickly. The Fiat 500C is a strong rival, but convertibles don’t come much cooler than the MINI.

See full MINI convertible range