Mini, the original maker of premium small cars, is sharpening its position by introducing Mini One - a new model variant within its Mini Hatch range. The Mini One will be available for ordering from August 2011.

Internationally the Mini One has already gained much success, contributing to more than 18% of total Mini sales. The new Mini One offers local customers an inimitable essence of Mini with a lower price. Furthermore, it builds on a tradition which now stretches back more than 50 years as well as the history of the brand reflecting an extraordinarily powerful allure.

The Mini One is fitted with a 1.6 litre engine, which features Valvetronic technology. This optimises the engine’s responses and at the same time significantly reduces fuel consumption as well as emissions levels.

This technology results in a maximum power and torque output of 72kW and 153Nm, which is claimed to get the Mini One from 0-100 km/h in 10,5 seconds.

C0² emissions are low at 127g/km with an economical combined claimed fuel consumption of 5,4 litres/100km.

The new Mini One differentiates itself from its Mini siblings with black grille slats, black door mirrors, 15 inch black steel wheels with full wheel cover, black tailgate handle, stainless steel exhaust without a chrome tip, roof in body colour only and a two-spoke steering wheel – all of which ensure a unique appearance of the Mini One and agility described as a “go-kart feeling”, which is synonymous with all other Minis.

Optimum braking behaviour in any situation faced by the Mini One is ensured by four disc brakes, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) manages the balance of the braking force between the front and rear axles while the Brake Assist speeds up the process, enabling maximum braking pressure and therefore minimising the braking distance.

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a standard feature in the Mini One, prevents unstable driving situations by intervening in the engine management and, if necessary, by applying braking force to individual wheels at the front or rear. The DSC function also includes Hill Assist, which enables the driver to easily overcome any tough road conditions.

Thanks to the multilink rear axle, each wheel in the Mini One can react independently, meaning that an uneven road surface doesn’t affect the entire chassis? and that a driver’s experience remains as relaxed as ever. Even more safety is provided by the single-link spring- strut front axle and symmetrical equal-length drive shafts.

The Mini One is fitted with a runflat indicator, which passively monitors all four tyres to warn in the event of sudden tyre pressure loss for added safety. The Mini One has six airbags as standard that will protect the driver and passenger in the event of a head-on collision. 

Given all the unparalleled safety features, the Mini One offers customers exceptional road handling and competitive pricing of R198 000, which includes VAT and CO² tax.