Sub £16k - Mini Cooper D
The world is your oyster at this price level, and we rate cars in three different classes
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
Details
Price: £14,785/£12,785
WHY: Mini style and ability combined with diesel frugality
Economy
72.4mpg
Residuals
62.1 per cent
Tax
B/£35
Insurance
16/N/A
Environment
104g/km
