MINI Cooper Park Lane
If the Cooper S Checkmate is too sporty for you, there are two other specials based on lower-powered MINIs. The One-based Seven won't be available for a few weeks, but we've got our hands on the Cooper Park Lane.
The numbers don't add up for the Park Lane. As with the Checkmate, it's well equipped and looks very different, but most buyers will baulk at the £15,260 asking price - and they'd be better off opting for a Cooper with the Chili pack.
If the Cooper S Checkmate is too sporty for you, there are two other specials based on lower-powered MINIs. The One-based Seven won't be available for a few weeks, but we've got our hands on the Cooper Park Lane. Finished in Royal Grey metallic and featuring 16-inch alloys, a silver roof and bonnet stripes, as well as special graphics, it looks very different to the legions of Coopers on UK roads.
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.
