New Mini takes to road (From Witney Gazette)

New Mini takes to road

8:23am Monday 20th November 2006 in Witney By Andrew Smith

HUNDREDS of customers and Mini enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the launch of the new model of the Cowley-built Mini.

About 200 people crowded into the North Oxford Garage Mini dealership at Long Hanborough to see the new car unveiled before it went on sale on Saturday.

Parent company BMW says demand for the new car has been as great as when the first model was launched in 2001 and dealers believe the waiting list could soon be as long as five months for some models.

Nathan King, sales manager at North Oxford Garage, said: "We have people here who are actually buying the car as well as those who are interested in owning one.

"We have sold out for this year and there is no doubt in my mind there will be a waiting list of up to five months by Christmas."

The dealership marked the occasion by displaying a 1966 Mini Cooper works rally car alongside the newcomers - a fitting tribute to original Mini designer Sir Alec Issigonis, who would have been celebrating his 100th birthday.

While the new car looks similar to the outgoing model, BMW claims every body panel has been changed while the interior has also been revamped.

Under the bonnet of the Cooper and Cooper S models - which are the first to go on sale - lie new engines produced at the Hams Hall plant in the Midlands. They offer better fuel economy and lower emissions.

An entry model Mini One and a diesel version will be launched next year.

BMW say about 4,000 orders have already been taken. Mini spokesman Angela Stangroom said: "We've been very pleased with orders for the car."

The new Mini Cooper costs £12,995 and the Cooper S is £15,995. Prices are about two per cent more than the first generation of the car.

Chancellor Gordon Brown visited the BMW factory in Cowley last month at the start of production of the new Mini.