MINI Roadster running costs should be fairly agreeable. The 2.0-litre SD diesel version has a claimed average economy of 62.8mpg. In real-world driving it’s not unrealistic to expect that you should achieve fuel consumption figures in the mid-50s. Choose the JCW and it has a competitive combined economy of 38.7mpg which, once you put your foot down, is likely to be nearer the high 20s.

MINI dealers can be pricy when it comes to servicing costs but you can tailor this to suit you with a MINI service package.

The greenest MINI Roadster emissions come from the 2.0-litre SD diesel version. It emits 118g/km of CO2, making it one of greenest soft tops around. The petrol versions are relatively clean too, with the 1.6-litre 122bhp version emitting 133g/km of CO2. In many instances it’s cleaner and cheaper to tax than its competitors.

The BMW Group engines are well-built and largely bulletproof. Overall MINI has a solid reputation for good build quality, though the company did have to recall 29,868 models in January 2012 for an electric water pump fault. This issue should have been cleared up before the sale of the Roadster, however. We expect the MINI Roadster reliability to continue to help the company build on its relatively good record.

The switchgear feels durable and the plastics are of a good quality, so they should last the life of the car.