Want the new MINI but want it cheaper? Now you can have One – get prices and specs here

Good news for MINI fans – MINI SA will be bringing in the more affordable MINI One.  If you feel the new MINI, launched in SA early 2014, has too much price for its size, then the MINI One’s lower price will bring some relief.

The MINI Cooper Hatch 3-door was thus far the cheapest new MINI, starting at R 303 500.  The MINI One Hatch 3-door comes in at a softer R 259 800.

So what is the difference between One and Cooper?  Good news is it also uses the altogether pleasant 3-cylinder turbo engine, though minimised from 1.5 to 1.2 litre size, making ¾ of the bigger engine’s power:  75kW at a low-rev 4000 already, instead of 100 at 4500, and torque still a healthy 180Nm (in fact very healthy for such a mini engine) in the One instead of 220 in the Cooper.  Only a 6-speed manual is offered.

Paint colours are limited to black, white, blue or red, and the customisation items are very limited – no contrast roof or sports stripes here, though leather seats and such can still be had.  Some equipment standard on the Cooper is optional on One: replacing the 3-spoke leather multi-function sport steering wheel with cruise control is a plain 2-spoke steering wheel, and wheels are still alloy but shrink an inch to 15-inch so tyres are cheaper to replace (and it is the only wheel available).  The on-board computer is now an option, and the big round screen makes way for a more simple radio.  Options are extensive, so you can still order the high-tech big-car stuff like head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and park assist (self-parking).

The MINI One is also available on both 3-door classic and 5-door more-practical body styles.

Prices:
MINI One Hatch 3-door:  R 259 800
MINI One Hatch 5-door:  R 269 800

If you like your MINI simple, this is the One for you.