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MINI One Convertible launched plus MINI range revisions

MINI has launched the MINI One Convertible It’s at least five minutes since MINI hurled yet another model at us, so with a New Year upon us they’ve obviously decided to see if they can outdo the new model every month they announced in 2009 with the launch of the MINI One Convertible and a bunch of changes across the range to kick off 2010. The MINI One Convertible is the new starting point for a soft-top MINI and gets the same oily bits as the MINI One – a 97bhp 1.6 litre with a top speed of 114mph and a 0-60mph of a leisurely 11.3 seconds. You can also opt for the new ‘Minimalism’ trim level – only available on the MINI One – in either 75bhp or 97bhp forms.

Fiat 500 Turbo arrives for the US

The Fiat 500 Turbo has made its debut at Concorso Italiano in Monterey, California, effectively a US version of the Abarth 500. Last month we had a spot of the Fiat 500 Turbo in a commercial Fiat had shot for the 500 range, and it’s made its official debut this weekend at the Concorso Italiano in Monterey, California. The Fiat 500 T is really what we think of as the Abarth 500, a pimped 500 with 135bhp and some aggressive body changes, designed to sit below the Fiat 500 Abarth in the States.

Motor industry backs EU membership

MOTOR MANUFACTURERS have given strong backing for the UK staying in the European Union, citing benefits including business links and free movement of labour. A survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that 92% of automotive firms believed that staying in the EU would be best for their business, although most wanted to see reforms. The SMMT said its study showed how EU membership benefited the industry, such as access to a single market and funding for research and development.