New MINI One Launched - MINI2

MINI Sales Man · #1 (**permalink**) Jul 3rd, 2009, 08:52 PM

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet but...

It is called a MINI First. It has a detuned version of the 1.4 engine producing just 75 bhp. You have a limited choice of options and this includes the highest spec pack being a 'Salt pack'. Costs £11,055. MINI have launched this car to compete in the Scrappage scheme sales. No air con as standard, in fact you get DSC and thats really it, it even has a lower quality hi-fi in it.

Our dealership has one arriving in the next few weeks and I imagine the other UK dealers will be the same.

KenL · #2 (**permalink**) Jul 3rd, 2009, 09:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MINI Sales Man (original)

No air con as standard, in fact you get DSC and thats really it, it even has a lower quality hi-fi in it.

Lower quality than "boost" CD? How does that work, no rear speakers or something?

MINI Sales Man · #3 (**permalink**) Jul 3rd, 2009, 10:28 PM

i think it has 2 speakers up front instead of 4. its called radio 'wave' i'll have full details soon

Paul · #4 (**permalink**) Jul 4th, 2009, 06:06 AM

We said it looked like happening back in May: New MINI One edges closer to UK, BMW edges away from Daimler | theSwitchback but there's been no official release or word from MINIs media department at all confirming it's happening.

MINI First though, what an odd, odd name?

The Wave stereo is available in many markets still (should I say, already) and apparently is even more dire than the standard boost unit.

MINI Sales Man · #5 (**permalink**) Jul 4th, 2009, 07:13 AM

Our car has actually left the factory!! It's already making its way to our dealership! It is still a group 5 insurance (same as current MINI One), its co2 emissions still keep it in the same road tax bracket as well.

M.O.S · #6 (**permalink**) Jul 4th, 2009, 11:31 AM

If its still insurance group 5 why would you really buy one over a standard one? Air con adds £680 (or it used to) so that'd be 11730, with the normal one being 12345 = I'd pay £615 more for a one. Or will the price for the one rise? Its a good idea in principle, but if its in the same group to insure as the normal one I don't know that it would sell... Still I'd like to see one!

silver dream machine · #7 (**permalink**) Jul 4th, 2009, 12:02 PM

...Stop Press...Stop Press...Stop Press...Stop Press...

It's just been renamed the MINI Ryanair

Rich

Paul · #8 (**permalink**) Jul 4th, 2009, 12:38 PM

Based on what I've seen here and elsewhere there's now a report (nothing new that isn't in this thread) on theSwitchback: MINI UK gets MINI First | theSwitchback

Cynical, moi?

designer_label · #9 (**permalink**) Jul 4th, 2009, 10:32 PM

I dont think its a good idea...with a "cheap" MINI out there...it will lower the class the MINI currently has...

mooneymini · #10 (**permalink**) Jul 4th, 2009, 10:34 PM

Its surprising that MINI are bringing out a 'economy' car that is no more economical in more ways than one than the current 'One'.

Seems quite ridiculous, and is obviously all about cost savings and maximising gross profit.

I think it would be brilliant if MINI genuinly bought out a new MINI which actually could compete with bargain cars such as the Fiat 500 or even the Panda.
But without even thinking about the emmissions and insurance side of things, it seems they are cutting corners with going the whole way of reducing the cost of MINI motoring.

sony · #11 (**permalink**) Jul 6th, 2009, 06:49 AM

I never get why people slag off the boost unit. It's absolutely fine for most people including myself. No worse stereo than in any other car I've owned, including a 2006 A3.

KenL · #12 (**permalink**) Jul 6th, 2009, 07:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by sony (original)

I never get why people slag off the boost unit. It's absolutely fine for most people including myself. No worse stereo than in any other car I've owned, including a 2006 A3.

I agree, it is OK.

Paul · #13 (**permalink**) Jul 6th, 2009, 07:18 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by sony (original)

I never get why people slag off the boost unit. It's absolutely fine for most people including myself. No worse stereo than in any other car I've owned, including a 2006 A3.

Perhaps it's just us "old timers" who had the previous boost compared to which the new version is absolutely terrible.

bakerstreet · #14 (**permalink**) Jul 6th, 2009, 08:22 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by mooneymini (original)

Its surprising that MINI are bringing out a 'economy' car that is no more economical in more ways than one than the current 'One'.

Seems quite ridiculous, and is obviously all about cost savings and maximising gross profit.

I think it would be brilliant if MINI genuinly bought out a new MINI which actually could compete with bargain cars such as the Fiat 500 or even the Panda.
But without even thinking about the emmissions and insurance side of things, it seems they are cutting corners with going the whole way of reducing the cost of MINI motoring.

I dont think the Fiat 500 is much of a bargain car tbh. Panda yes.

At that sort of money the MINI is hardly budget motoring.

KenL · #15 (**permalink**) Jul 6th, 2009, 05:33 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original)

Perhaps it's just us "old timers" who had the previous boost compared to which the new version is absolutely terrible.

I'm an old timer who had a 2002 ONE, an R56 Cooper with hifi and now an S with standard stereo.

Although I cannot compare like with like, I was not that impressed with the quality of the CD player (a £210 option

) in my 2002 ONE.

When I traded it for a mkV golf in 2004, its free CD player was way better than the one on the ONE.