Premium supermini champs
We rate the premium supermini's with the best residual value
Throughout its life, the MINI has enjoyed the kind of demand that most car manufacturers can only dream of. As with all models, it has been hit by the economic downturn, but the British-built hatch is still one of the most fashionable and desirable small cars money can buy.
When the time comes to sell your MINI, there will be a queue around the block, with customers eager to get a slice of the lifestyle. Buyers are willing to pay high prices on the second-hand market for the best examples – and demand is strongest for the Cooper D diesel, complete with the Pepper options Pack. The upgrade brings extras such as a leather steering wheel, front foglamps, heated mirrors and an on-board computer, and adds £785 to the standard Cooper D’s £14,785 asking price when new.
It’s money well spent, however, as this variant is likely to retain 63.7 per cent of its value after three years and 30,000 miles. As a result, having shelled out £15,570 on their new car, MINI Cooper D Pepper owners can expect to get an impressive £9,918 back at the end of this period. That’s £1,884 per year, and works out at less than 19 pence per mile.
These are exceptional figures – and match up well with this MINI’s other thrifty attributes. Incredible claimed combined fuel economy of 72.4mpg will enable owners to avoid big diesel bills, while CO2 emissions of 104g/km will help to keep a lid on road tax costs, too – a year’s disc sets you back only £35.
So the MINI is a simply brilliant investment – and it’s not surprising that so many buyers are willing to pay for the privilege of owning one.
TOP 5 PREMIUM SUPERMINI CHAMPS
1. MINI - Cooper D Pepper Pack - 63.7 per cent
2. MINI Clubman - Cooper D Pepper Pack - 60.0 per cent
3. Alfa MiTo - Turismo 1.3 JTDm - 50.8 per cent
4. Abarth 500 - Abarth 500 - 49.4 per cent
5. Merc A-Class - A160 CDI 3dr - 42.8 per cent
TOP BUY: MINI Cooper D Pepper Pack
Sector: Premium supermini
Price: £15,570
Residual after 3yrs/30,000 miles: £9,918/63.7 per cent
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 108bhp
Economy/CO2: 72.4mpg/104g/km
