MINI have attempted to take some attention away from the dastardly vuvuzelas at this summer’s World Cup by launching their own fan item, the Countryman Makarapa. Fancy trading in your used MINI Countryman for a new model with a giant workman’s hat on the roof? No, I didn’t think so, but nonetheless, the Makarapa is a fun little addition to the party atmosphere currently enveloping South Africa.
This new Countryman may not be the most practical invention that BMW have come up with, but their novelty model with a giant Makarapa (a customisable South African workman’s helmet) attached on top has certainly caused a stir on the South African streets as fans embrace the fun and festivities that have been bywords of this first African World Cup.
MINI gave enthusiasts a glimpse of the future last week, with a media preview of their forthcoming extended range of models. In addition to the variety of new and used MINI motors already owning the roads, MINI look set to add the Coupe and Roadster to their arsenal sooner rather than later.
It has been a long wait for MINI fans after the two concepts were first revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. But finally it would appear that both concepts are edging closer to the production phase, despite no official production date having yet been announced.
When shopping for a new car, it is easy to overlook a brand that has symbolised British chic for decades. While they may now be manufactured by German firm BMW, used MINI models are still a wise choice when looking to buy a second hand car.
The first generation MINI One and MINI Cooper both maintain a timeless charm, despite some models now being as much as nine years old. BMW injected both models with a transversely-mounted four-cylinder engine, which along with the lightweight nature of the cars makes for an enjoyable driving experience. Furthermore, the MINI is perfect for inner city travelling due to its relatively small size and ease of handling.
UK Sales figures of cars sold during the first quarter of 2009 have recently been released and they are down by 30 per cent from the same period last year, but is this really a surprise? Well, I for one am surprised: 313,912 cars have been sold during this period and I am not at all surprised by the 30 per cent decrease in sales, but what I am surprised about is that 313,912 people could actually afford to buy a brand new car during the current economic climate.
I’m about to write an article on Used Mini’s and already I’m chastised for using the wrong term!
Apparently the term is ‘Mini Cherished’. What is the difference I ask myself?
Open any used car magazine and there will be used Minis for sale in various degrees of condition and age. Speak to any Mini owner and you will find that their vehicle has been cherished for many years. Many of them are given names by the owner to personalise them – strange but true.
In New York, Chicago and Miami owners of new and used Mini’s are signing up for a new gimmick of personalised billboard messages displayed at the road side.
A radio chip embedded within the key fob sends a coded signal to the billboard that you are approaching and messages will flag up, dependent on the information the driver has supplied in a questionnaire. Examples are ‘Hi Kate, nice day for your convertible’.
