High-speed performance is certainly not the Mini’s strong point, although the Cooper and 1.3i are amusingly nippy. Older Minis have slow acceleration and can struggle a little on hills and at top speed on motorways. Judging your speed can also be deceptive in the Mini, due to their low centre of gravity, engine noise and firm ride, so if it’s performance that you’re after, you’d be better off looking elsewhere.

All models come with a four-speed manual gearbox, rather than a five-speed box that’s expected in modern cars.

Minis are famously fun to drive and this is a key part of their appeal. Although steering is a little heavy (few cars have power steering), it is direct and nimble to handle, offering great traction on corners and roundabouts. The overall handling is hampered slightly by the poor driving position, but the unaided steering and back-to-basics charm of driving the Mini can become quite addictive.