THE new MINI One is more powerful than its predecessor, but with significant improvements in fuel consumption and emissions.

The 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine is derived from the 1.6-litre unit that features in the Cooper model.

Smooth power delivery and efficiency are achieved using variable valve control.

Maximum output of 95hp at 6,000rpm is produced by the engine, which is partly constructed from lightweight aluminium.

The 5hp power increase on its predecessor leads to a peak torque figure of 140Nm at 4,000rpm. The powertrain is key to the MINI One's ability to ensure a grin-inducing driving experience, yet offers the driver excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

A 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds and top speed of 115mph are complemented by an average fuel consumption figure of 49.6 mpg - an efficiency increase of 15 per cent compared to the outgoing model.

More impressive still is that a CO2 emissions figure of just 138g/km is a 16 per cent improvement over the outgoing MINI One.

Safety features include Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS); central locking (automatic at 10mph); Corner Braking Control (CBC); disc brakes all round (vented at front); Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD); tyre defect indicator; driver and front passenger airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags.

Fifteen-inch steel wheels are fitted as standard.

Other features include six-speed manual gearbox; automatic rear wash wiper; chrome-plated door handles; electric door mirrors; heated rear window; front and rear bumpers in body colour; roof in body colour; third brake light and black side air inlets with integrated orange indicator.

Inside, there are 50/50 split folding rear seats; a Start/Stop button; electric front windows; electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS); height adjustable driver's seat and a height and length adjustable steering wheel.

The audio system has a radio and single CD player.

There is also remote central locking and a rev counter with outside temperature display.

The MINI One is priced from £11,610.


Ten things you did not know about MINI owners

1. This is a man's world (mostly): 70 per cent of MINI Cooper S owners are male, 60 per cent of Cooper owners are male and 35 per cent of MINI One owners are male.

2. MINI owners are more likely to be married or living together than those of its competitors.

3. Life begins at 40: MINI has less under-30s on its books, but a younger average age of owner than its competitors. Most MINI owners are between 30 and 50.

4. MINI owners have more children than owners of rival brands and more households of five or more.

5. A right pair: MINIs tend to share the drive with one other car.

6. A consensus of opinion: When asked "What makes a MINI a MINI?" the top five answers from owners and non-owners alike were: exterior design; interior design; go-kart driving; personalisation; premium feel. When asked "What are MINI's strengths over its competitors?", MINI owners cited: value for money/residual values; service at the dealerships; levels of equipment; style/design; robustness and reliability; performance.

7. Clever dicks: A greater proportion of MINI owners are college educated to degree or masters standard.

8. More MINI owners are company directors, professionals or managers, or even own their own businesses.

9. MINI owners are a loyal breed. MINI's loyalty rate has increased in the past two years, whilethe numbers of defectors to rival products has decreased.

10. As you would expect, they like driving cars and enjoy the smell of burning rubber, with more attending motor sport events than rival car owners.