Meet the sportiest Mini ever

Saab has successfully secured the sale of the last remaining 26 right- hand drive 12-plate 9-3 Convertibles for UK customers.

The 9- 3 Convertible range was significantly revised for 2012, with refreshed exterior and interior styling and a range of more powerful, fuel and emissions efficient engines than its predecessors.

Three levels of specification are available; SE, Aero and Independence Edition. The all-turbo powertrain l i ne- up comes with a 160bhp and 180bhp 1.9- litre twin turbo diesel enginesandtwonewtwo-litre petrol engines providing power outputs of 163bhp and 220bhp respectively.

All the Convertibles offered for sale come with a high level of standard equipment including alloy wheels, leather trimmed interior, heated front seats, park assist and Bluetooth phone integration along with a host of safety systems including electronic stability programme, six airbags and Saab active head restraints.

On the road prices for these last remaining Convertibles start from£22,750 andcomein a range of popular colours. Mini has announced details of its sportiest road-registered model ever made, which will go on sale later this year.

Just 2,000 John Cooper Works GP models will be produced.

And it has already beaten the Nurburgring lap time set by its predecessor, the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, by almost 19 seconds.

The new car’s twin-scroll turbo engine generates outstanding t orque, and demonstrates a healthy appetite for revs. Specially developed, adjustable race suspension channels this output into precisely controllable handling.

Large front and rear aprons, side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler are complemented by a newly developed rear diffuser which optimises airflowaroundthe underbody. Inside, the rear seats have been removed.

More details are yet to be announced.