MINI One 1.4

As they’re small, lightweight and fitted with fuel-efficient engines, superminis are the ideal choice for drivers on a budget. Still, you might be surprised to learn that, according to our calculations, the cheapest of the lot is a MINI. Billed as a premium model, the British-built hatch has always been much pricier to buy than traditional rivals, yet less practical.

Running the entry-level One, however, costs a mere 23.7 pence per mile. That means it undercuts a lot of talented competition, such as the Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2.

The MINI’s low running costs aren’t down to a bargain screen price, though. At £11,295, the 1.4-litre petrol variant is only £955 cheaper than the much larger and better-equipped Skoda Octavia.

So how does it manage to cost only four pence more a mile more than the Smart, the cheapest car here? It’s largely due to excellent residuals. By the time it’s three years old, the MINI will still be worth more than £7,000 – that’s an incredible 65 per cent of its original price. Adding further to the appeal, the servicing package is a bargain.

For a total of £150, the company will carry out all routine maintenance on the vehicle for five years. The tlc scheme continues to set the standard.

And the One is as impressive on the road as it is on paper. Under the snub nose sits a smooth-revving 1.4-litre petrol motor, giving the MINI a decent turn of speed. Unlike our other penny-pinching contenders, there’s also a six-speed gearbox as standard – although the shift action can be clunky.

Another strong point is the application of owner BMW’s EfficientDynamics eco technology, giving optimum economy. Features such as the Auto Start-Stop function and regenerative braking help boost combined fuel returns to 53.3mpg, while slashing CO2 output to 128g/km. What’s more, driving an environmentally friendly car has never been this much fun. Thanks to the sharp steering and agile chassis, the MINI serves up genuine hot hatch thrills when you head along a twisty road.

There are downsides to the MINI experience, though. You don’t get a huge amount of standard equipment on the entry-level variant – air-conditioning, smart alloy wheels and a leather-trimmed steering wheel are all on the options list. Add funky body stripes and a white roof as we had on the Cooper D model in our pictures, and the price rises still further.

It’s not the most versatile small car, either. While those sitting in the front get plenty of space, back seat passengers will find conditions cramped. They’ll probably have to leave their luggage at home, too, as the boot provides only 160 litres with the rear bench in place.

This needn’t detract from the MINI’s appeal, though. As long as you choose your options carefully, you’ll have a car that proves you don’t have to dig deep to have fun behind the wheel.

Details

WHY: EfficientDynamics eco tweaks mean MINI costs less to run than cheaper-to-buy rivals.