Mini’s first electric convertible comes in limited run of 999

MINI’S first electric Convertible model has been revealed – though just 150 are destined for the UK.

Priced at £52,500, the electric Mini Convertible is part of a ‘small series’ run which will see just 999 units created for Europe. It’ll also be offered in a ‘fixed specification’, with one of just two exterior colours to choose from – Enigmatic Black or White Silver. The door handles and light surrounds will be finished in bronze, while the Mini lettering and model logo will come in black only.

Exclusive

As on the regular hardtop Mini Electric, the ‘E’ logo is located on the front and rear, while the car’s specific number showing its place within the 999-unit run will be applied on the door sill trims.

Stefanie Wurst, head of the Mini brand, said: “Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, and today one in five MINI models sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Electric Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling.”

The Mini Electric Convertible also features model-specific 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels made from 100 per cent secondary aluminium. This material, which is combined with green electricity during construction, significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared with conventionally made wheels.

Inside, there’s a leather-clad cabin with a Nappa leather steering wheel. Interior surfaces are finished in Piano Black, contrasted by yellow accents throughout the cabin. Mini claims a total range of up to 124 miles for the Mini Electric Convertible – slightly less than the 145 miles you’d get from the hard top – yet boot space is unaffected and remains 160 litres.

The TT Final Edition is available in three guises – 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI and TTS. The 40 and 45 TFSI use a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 194bhp and 242bhp respectively, with the latter also coming with quattro all-wheel-drive as standard. The TTS also uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine, but takes its power up to 316bhp, and allows for a 4.3-second 0-60mph time.

In the TT’s final year Audi has also cut back on the number of TT versions available, reducing it to S line, Black Edition and Final Edition on the standard model, and just the Final Edition on the TTS. The sportier TT RS also remains available, using a powerful 395bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine.

Prices for the Audi TT Final Edition start from £41,910 on the coupe and £43,660 on the roadster. The models will go on sale in March, with first deliveries expected in April.

Drivers could save up to £65 per year on car insurance by paying upfront

MOTORISTS who pay for their insurance upfront rather than in monthly instalments could save up to £65 per year, new research has found.

Paying upfront for a whole year’s insurance costs an average of £623, compared with the combined sum of 12 monthly payments which reaches £688, as of December 2022.

Premiums

Research by comparison site

Comparethemarket also found that the cost difference between a monthly and annual payment has increased by £12 year-on-year.

Car insurance premiums have risen ‘across the board’ over the last 12 months, with the average cost of paying annually hiking by £71 year-onyear and the average premium for paying monthly rising by £83. Comparethemarket says that the cost of car insurance claims has risen due to the increased price of second-hand cars and higher vehicle repair costs.

Julie Daniels, motor insurance expert at Comparethemarket.com, said: “As living costs continue to rise, many motorists are feeling financially squeezed. Saving on your car insurance is always attractive, considering that the average cost of car insurance is more than £600.

“Although making smaller monthly payments might seem easier, if you’re in a financial position to be able to pay your car insurance policy annually, it could lead to savings of up to £65.”

Drivers can save up to £374 on their car insurance by switching, says Comparethemarket, while a recent survey conducted by the comparison site found that one in three motorists have struggled to afford the cost of driving recently and four-in-ten believe that they would no longer be able to keep on the road if costs continue to rise.