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The UK's cheapest Mini has just gone on sale - the Mini First. It becomes the cheapest new model in Mini's range, joining the Mini One, Cooper, Convertible, Clubman and John Cooper Works.

The Mini First includes a six-speed manual gearbox, dynamic stability control and a 1.4-litre petrol engine which puts out 75bhp. This accelerates the Mini from 0-62mph in 13.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 109mph.

Eco-friendly features include auto start-stop and brake energy regeneration which come packaged as standard. These help give the Mini a combined fuel economy of 53.3mpg.

The Mini First emits 128g/km of CO2, placing it into car tax band D at £120 per year. This will decrease to £90 from April 2010. Mini expects the new hatchback to retain 50 per cent of its value after three years or 30,000 miles.

Extra options include the Design package, with leather steering wheel and heated, body-coloured mirrors for £525. The Tech package adds Bluetooth with a USB interface, a sports steering wheel and a radio/CD player for £855.

And the Salt package gives the Mini front fog lights, passenger seat height adjustment, an on-board computer and other interior detailing extras for £390.

The lowest-priced finance offer for the Mini First is £99 a month, which is based on a deposit of £4,253 and 47 monthly payments. The Mini First costs £10,950 from new and is available to order now.

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