A Mini packed with real style

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), July 28, 2006

Byline: By Peter Keenan

The screech of delight almost burst my ear drums. "Dad you've got a Mini," screamed my 10-year-old daughter. You've guessed it, this is her dream car and to see it roll on to the drive was all her Christmases come at once.

The version of the car that sparked her response was the Park Lane ( added to BMW's original seven model line-up last summer.

It is part of an on-going and successful effort to keep the model fresh with the car-buying public.

The Mini reached its fifth anniversary since first going on sale in its current guise in 2001.

A pounds 100m investment programme is underway allowing production capacity to be increased at the plant where it is made in Oxford .

With more than 800,000 Minis already sold around the globe in more than 70 markets it's just as well.

Despite the large numbers on our roads it still offers enough of the wow factor to make it an eye-catcher.

There are 300 options and accessories available for customers to personalise their cars and judging by the fact I've rarely seen two the same I can believe it. It is this, I think, which prevents the car losing its image in the eyes of the motoring world's fashionistas.

Let's face it, the Mini looks more catwalk than carriageway. The Park Lane attracts a hefty premium compared to the price of a standard Cooper ( but I'm sure it will still do well because the label has a cachet Chanel would understand.

Its nifty exterior and interior are classic examples of how to turn the head of an average punter.

The paintwork is Royal Grey metallic paint with lighter grey stripes on the bonnet.

That may sound an odd colour combination to get excited about ( but it works judging by the admiring comments drawn from neighbours and passers-by alike. And as you drive you can't help notice the impact it has on pedestrians and fellow motorists. The Park Lane lives up to its classy name as the fit and finish of the interior and in particular the piped leather sports seats is excellent.

The model also features 16-inch alloys and a silver roof as well as special graphics that give it a very different feel to the thousands of Coopers already on UK roads.

All fashion comes at a cost though and the price-hike for the Park Lane label is not cheap. The pounds 15,260 price-tag is pounds 2,865 more than the standard Cooper.

But to help justify the expense, the Park Lane also features air-conditioning, foglights and an on board computer that would only normally be available as optional extras.

BMW also adds traction and stability control to the Park Lane giving the car excellent handling and ride characteristics. Basically it's a pleasure to drive whether on country lanes or the motorway. And for a small car, all-round visibility is excellent.

On the down side, luggage space is limited although the rear seats do split and fold and there are a number of cubby holes dotted around the cabin.

The controls have a classy feel and the huge speedometer pays homage to the Mini's heritage. But as well as recognising the past, BMW is giving the Mini the weapons to succeed in the future.

Facts and figures

Make: Mini

Model: Cooper Park Lane

Price: pounds 15,260

Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 124mph

0-62mph: 9.1 secs

Combined mpg: 40.9

Insurance group: 9

CO2 emissions: 166g/km

BiK rating: 20%

Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited mileage, 6 years paint, 6 years anti-rust