MINI UK adds new entry-level First model to appeal to scrappers
Ever since the modern MINI debuted earlier this decade, it has always been marketed as a premium small car. Even the least expensive variants were pricier than some comparable subcompacts. This has now changed. MINI UK has just added a new, lower-priced model specifically aimed at first time buyers and those taking advantage of the car scrappage program currently in effect in the United Kingdom.
The new MINI First gets a 75 hp version of the 1.4-liter engine that makes 95 hp in the MINI ONE. While the low-cost edition probably looses some interior features, it retains most of the important functional elements such stability control, automatic start-stop, brake energy regeneration and an up-shift indicator light. The low power engine gives a combined rating of 44.4 mpg (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of 128 g/km. The First is priced from £10,950 compared to £12,345 for the ONE.
[Source: MINI UK, AutoExpress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hank 6:36PM (7/18/2009)
Good for them. While it doesn't necessarily fit with the current BMW-owned Mini brand marketing direction in the US, this is probably the truest-to-its-roots Mini yet.
Reply
locoyocal 2:51PM (7/19/2009)
Hank, they don't really have a choice. The market for a $25k mini-petro car is drying up.
Cost to produce them is low, and the amount they can get off of parts and labor is very lucrative. (the real bmw model in US)