Sub £16k - Mini Cooper D

Bosses at MINI are warming to the Scrappage Scheme. Since we took these pictures, the firm has launched a £10,950 First model, which sneaks into our sub-£10,000 category.

But for up to £16,000, you can take your pick from most of the MINI line-up. It even puts the hot Cooper S within reach – so you don’t have to sacrifice performance if you’re being careful with your cash. But if economy is the name of the game, we would stick with the Cooper D variant, complete with its punchy 1.6-litre diesel engine.

The unit works in tandem with stop-start and brake regeneration to return 70mpg-plus, yet propels the car from 0-60mph in under 10 seconds. And as the Scrappage discount takes the price down to £12,785, you can splash out on some extras from the extensive options list. Not that the

Cooper comes particularly poorly equipped as standard – stability control, remote central locking, an auxiliary input and alloy wheels are all included.

Our pick would be the three-door MINI, although the Cooper D Clubman weighs in at £15,750 before the discount and brings greater flexibility. Yet whatever variant you go for, the retro interior has a solid, classy feel. Plus, a sharp driving experience comes as standard, with responsive steering and nimble handling. Scrappage prices mean there’s never been a better time to buy a MINI