MINI now from under $25K

Just as we predicted it would when pricing for the new MINI hatch was announced in April MINI Australia has introduced a bargain-basement variant priced from under $25,000.

Effectively replacing the previous-generation MINI Ray (from $25,600), the new entry-level MINI One costs just $24,500 plus on-road costs, making it the cheapest MINI since BMW revived the brand almost 15 years ago.

Positioned $2150 lower than the latest MINI Cooper hatch ($26,650 plus ORCs), the MINI One is powered by an even smaller version of the three-cylinder petrol engine seen in the Cooper, while a six-speed automatic transmission costs $2136 extra.

The 1.2-litre unit produces 75kW/180Nm – 25kW/40Nm less than the Cooper's 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-pot.

MINI claims that's still enough for the One to hit 100km/h in 9.9 seconds in standard six-speed manual form (auto: 10.2 seconds), while fuel consumption is just 4.9L/100km (auto: 5.0L/100km).

Standard features include 15-inch steel wheels, traction/stability control, idle-stop, an electric differential lock, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, roof spoiler, cloth trim, air-conditioning, rear fog lights, follow-me-home lights and heated exterior mirrors, while rear parking sensors add $500.

MINI Australia General Manager Kai Bruesewicz says the MINI One offers more performance and value than the previous MINI Ray.

"The new MINI One hatch embodies the same technical and quality advancements demonstrated in the rest of the new MINI hatch range, and when compared to the previous entry-level model, offers customers greater performance, improved comfort and a lot more value for money,” he said.

“The improved performance, higher levels of sophistication and equipment levels as well as the attractive price will ensure the exciting MINI brand is on the shopping list of more Aussies customers [sic].”

MINI's next new release will be the facelifted 2015 Paceman and Countryman crossovers in the fourth quarter of this year, followed by the new MINI JCW hot-hatch and all-new MINI 5 Door in the first quarter of next year.