Mini 5dr

Mini introduces a new dual-clutch automatic gearbox in a bid to improve performance and fuel economy On sale Now Price from £16,575

- Hemal Mistry

THINK MINI AND a peppy engine paired with a snappy manual gearbox probably springs to mind. Like most of its rivals, you can also have an automatic gearbox, except that the six-speed option previously available across the range wasn’t particularly recommendable. That could now change.

Ahead of the three and five-door hatchback range’s midlife facelift, Mini has introduced a dual-clutch automatic gearbox to eke out a bit more performance from its 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, increase fuel economy and reduce emissions. As part of this, the new gearbox has the ability to disengage and coast when you come off the accelerator.