In the basic make up the Mini 1.6 petrol is great like a city car – nimble, agile and sufficiently sharp to chop it in traffic.

The brand new diesel variant has less power but more torque and greater fuel efficiency, and it is more fun than its packaging suggests. However for real fun the possibility buyer should progress the number.

The Cooper variant adds more verve because of a far more powerful 115 PS engine and stiffened suspension settings, however for real fun the enthusiast should think about the supercharged Mini Cooper S.

This generate 163PS; giving the vehicle a lot more than 100PS towards the tonne yet seems to feel solid and substantial, quite an achievement for any small and light-weight car.