MINI gets all corporate

It may continue to make a big deal about is models' inherent fun and trendy 30-something target market, but it seems the MINI brand is indeed, growing up.

Hot on the heals of announcing it topped the 200,000 unit production mark in 2005, the BMW-affiliate is announcing very grown up finance and approved used programs for Australia.

MINI has dubbed the new finance package MINI 360. Offered by the brand's own MINI Financial Services, the package allows owners to select  the contract term (24-36-48 months) and annual kilometre allowance. At the end of the period they can elect to trade, refinance, take full ownership or return their vehicle.

The package echos parent brand BMW's Full Circle offering (Ed; hmmm, Full Circle... 360...) and also allows customers to kick-off the purchase with a trade-in or cash deposit.

MINI's new approved used car program is dubbed MINI NEXT. The company says around 6500 new generation MINIs are on the road in Australia -- enough to provide critical mass for such a program. The program 'certifies' used MINIs that have undertaken and passed what is described as "a rigorous 100-point check."

Only cars with less than 140,000km on the clock and a complete service history by an authorised MINI Garage are eligible.

Cars sold under the MINI NEXT program are covered under a specific 12 month unlimited MINI NEXT factory-backed warranty which includes access to MINI's own roadside assistance program
(Ed: MINI HELPIMSTUCKINTHEMIDDLEOFNOWHEREANDCANTGETADECENTLATTETOSAVEMYSELF... Only joking!)

Prospective owners can search MINI's own site here for a used MINI NEXT aproved car. If not already on the site, they can also register details and preferences and be automatically notified as soon as the 'right' MINI becomes available.