The £41,000 Mini Inspired by Goodwood

Mini today took its premium hatch to new heights - by confirming the £41,000 price of the Mini Inspired by Goodwood.

It chose the first day of the Goodwood Festival of Speed to announce the extraordinary price for its poshest hatch yet. The Mini Inspired by Goodwood is inspired by Rolls-Royce, you see.

Quite possibly. But Mini is certain there are 1000 owners rich enough out there who'll pay more than buyers of the Aston Martin Cygnet or Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari. These are indeed inflationary times for supermini prices.

Before we get carried away ridiculing the price, let's not forget they have lavished a heap of extra craftsmanship on the Mini Inspired by Goodwood.

The walnut burr dashboard and door handle trims are manufactured by Rolls-Royce in Goodwood and the rooflining, sun visors and rear storage trays are covered in cashmere.

Yes, there's even deep-shag lambswool floor mats, as you'll find in the Phantom.

There are a few giveaways outside so you'll spot the plutocrat's wife: the paintjob is Rolls-Royce's own Diamond Black metallic and those 17in wheels sport a new multi-spoke pattern.

Underneath, this is a Cooper S, featuring the regular 184bhp 1.6 turbo. That car costs £18,015, by the way.

By Tim Pollard