MINI Cooper S Cabrio

MINI in Australia has enjoyed its best year ever with a total of 2,097 cars delivered in 2005.

This substantial increase on 1,499 cars delivered in 2004 was due to the arrival of the chic, energetic and universally appealing MINI Cooper Cabrio and MINI Cooper S Cabrio models at the start of the year.

MINI hardtop sales were undaunted by the arrival of roofless siblings, with sales as strong as in previous years. In all, 675 MINI Cabrio models were eagerly snapped up by customers.

MINI has experienced continuous growth across the world every year since the brand’s launch in 2001. MINI is now sold in 70 countries.

More than 200,000 MINI models leapt out of the Oxford Plant in England during 2005, another record, and double the original estimate. The youngest marque in the prestige sector already comfortably outsells luxury, sporty brands from the UK, Italy and Germany that boast extensive histories stretching back to practically the dawn of motoring.

MINI success is based around its go-kart-like, fun-to-drive exuberance and its unprecedented ability for customers to personalise their vehicles, direct from the factory as well as on delivery.

Sports-minded buyers can opt for a wide range of performance enhancing features from the factory-approved John Cooper Works range.

In late 2005, the first factory produced 154 kW MINI Cooper S models with John Cooper Works Tuning Kits arrived in Australia, complete with John Cooper Works brake upgrade package. Previously the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit was fitted by MINI Garages in Australia. These kits will continue to be available for retrofitting.

MINI will introduce two new Character models in 2006. The MINI Park Lane creates the world’s most compact and chic luxury limousine, and the racy MINI Checkmate makes a bold sports statement.

MINI Park Lane and MINI Checkmate will be available in normally-aspirated MINI Cooper guise as well as the supercharged 125 kW MINI Cooper S. They can also be ordered with the John Cooper Works engine and brake upgrade package for MINI Cooper S models, direct from the factory.

MINI Characters will join the standard and Chilli models in the hardtop line up in February after a debut at the Melbourne Motor Show.

During 2006, MINI will make a return to motorsport in Australia and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the mighty Mini Cooper S taking the first nine placings in the 1966 Bathurst Great Race.

“MINI is a supercharged success in Australia,” says Justin Hocevar, National Manager MINI.

“Customers love the ability to personalise their car, and the arrival of the MINI Characters and the availability of the 154 kW MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works Tuning Kit will add even more individuality.

“We’ll be celebrating the anniversary of our Bathurst win in fine style as well, and adding some typically MINI customer friendly features to the business of buying one of our cars,” Justin said.

“2006 is sure to be another high-octane year in Australia for MINI.”

© Copyright 2006 Driveguide.com.au

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