For The diesel-powered Mini is worth a look if low CO2 emissions and maximum mpg are your main concerns. The Pepper Pack adds a leather steering wheel, front foglights and extra storage.
Against The petrol versions are more refined and more fun to drive. Specifying this option pack adds thousands to the price, but doesn't give you any more of the Cooper experience.
This diesel-engined version costs a few hundred pounds more than the equivalent 1.6 petrol and, somehow, the diesel engine just doesn't suit the fun-to-thrash nature of something with a Mini badge.
Compared with the other models in the Mini range, there's a more limited number of Mini convertible versions on sale. However, whereas we prefer the quicker versions of the hatchback, we reckon you can make do with one of the less powerful convertibles. With a soft-top, it's less about sheer driving thrills, and more about the style and the wind in the hair.
Whichever you buy, though, consider taking out one of the two very worthwhile low-cost fixed-price servicing packages: tlc and tlc xl. The £150 tlc covers you for a first service visit (oil service and micro-filter), brake fluid service at two years and a second service visit - oil service, micro-filter, vehicle check, spark plugs and air filter. tlc XL, meanwhile, costs £380 and covers a further brake fluid service, plus a third and fourth service visits.