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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.

New Ford Focus ST (2011) at Paris

The 250bhp 2011 Focus ST Ford did threaten that a performance version of the 2011 Ford Focus would be a world car. We all jumped to the conclusion that would be an all new 2012 Focus RS – and it still probably will be – but if Ford need a get out of jail free card on the performance promise the 2011 Focus ST could be it. It appears that Ford are taking the first performance version of the new Focus to the Paris Motor Show in October.

Fiat future products: Look for more 500s

Next year two Fiat 500 models are scheduled to join the 500 and 500C convertible, which already are on sale as 2012 models. Cars arriving next year will be a sporty Abarth version and an electric. A fifth car will join the lineup in 2013: a four-door, five-seat, high-roof subcompact.