The same can be said of the cabin, thanks to exclusive leather trim, while the host of extras includes auto air-con, an on-board computer and front sports seats. Apart from the addition of traction and stability control, this machine is identical under the skin to its 115bhp 1.6-litre brother, with similarly potent performance, sharp handling and great all-round visibility.
As with the Checkmate, though, the Park Lane is costly - £3,155 more than the standard car, at £15,260. Yet while a Chili pack Cooper lacks the bespoke exterior and interior additions, it gets most of the other goodies for £1,300 more than the standard Cooper.