Tallying horses alone, the 118-horsepower base model (starting at $18,700) and 172-horsepower turbocharged Cooper S ($21,850) don't seem much stronger than before.

Certainly, the Cooper S offers impressive standard equipment, from six air bags to 16-inch alloy wheels.

With a final $100 flourish for black bonnet stripes on lovely champagne paint (another $450), the Cooper S checked out at $28,850.

I tested a Cooper S in late October, and immediately became one of those idiots who drive around on a cold day with the top down.

The 98bhp One version will start at £16,000, with prices rising to £20,810 for the range-topping Cooper S, developing 184bhp.

Mk II Mini Cooper S - "the biggest drawback is the price"

The Cooper S also has twin exhausts which exit under the centre of the rear valance.

It was available in Cooper, Cooper S and One variations at launch.

Over 53% were the Cooper version, with 26.2% Cooper S, and the basic One 20.2%.

From there, it's a short step up to the Cooper S, which starts at $19,850.