Fun – that's the best word to describe the new BMW Mini series which was launched in Bermuda last week.

The Mini Cooper, which comes in hardtop and convertible versions, and the Clubman, were all unveiled by exclusive agents Bermuda Motors under the bright lights of the official launch party held at City Hall on Friday night.

But it is not until you get behind the wheel of the latest addition to the Island's motor market that you begin to appreciate the quality of the state-of-the-art German design and manufacturing.

The car, which was made famous by Michael Caine et al in the film "The Italian Job", is a fashionable yet practical number which can manoeuvre easily around Bermuda's small twisty lanes and is a joy to ride on the straight and narrow of the main roads.

Taking a Mini Cooper convertible out for a spin on the South Shore with the wind blowing through your hair, it was a chance to really put your foot down and test it to the limits.

The most striking feature was the top down option on the cabriolet, allowing you to alternate between just the sun roof and then both the sun roof and windows down to enjoy the fine weather, or putting the hood up in the event of rain or wind – ideal for the young couple or the thrill-seeking retiree alike.

Another main selling point is the keyless entry, which enables the driver to start the engine without the use of a key – much to the amusement of my test driver and manager of Ultimate Motors Jesse Graham – who looked on as I groped under the steering wheel searching for the ignition.

Once started, however, the car itself drives like a dream – pulling away smartly in automatic, with a responsive brake and accelerator to slow down in traffic and speed up on the open road (achieving one to 60 mph in seven seconds).

For those armchair motorists who like everything at the touch of a button, there are a host of gadgets and switches at your disposal on the steering wheel, from making phone calls on the Bluetooth hands-free device to controlling the air conditioning and even changing tracks on the CD or radio.

Back in the new Mini showroom on Church Street East, Alan Harris, managing director of BMW Group's regional office for Eastern Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, who was visiting Bermuda for two days last week, said the new range of Minis have been growing in presence since their introduction eight years ago and he expects them to be a big hit on the Island.

"For us, the Mini has been increasing its image brand within the BMW group and the car has taken off since its launch in 2001," he said.

"The volumes have grown dramatically, and with the Mini being a very British icon and Bermuda's obvious connection with Britain, we feel it has a market here in Bermuda as well."

The Mini, which is available from the Ultimate Motors showroom now, costs from between $50,000 for the Class C Mini Cooper, $57,000 for the Class D Mini Cooper Clubman, and $63,000 for the Class C Mini Cooper convertible. All models come in 1.6 litre and 1.8 litre engine sizes, with fuel consumption ranging from 6.9 litres to 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

Mr. Harris said the new version was a modern interpretation of the classic design, complete with improved suspension and shock absorption, as well as the most up-to-date crash and safety standards, in addition to efficient fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions (for which BMW has won a number of awards).

"With the size regulations in Bermuda, it is a perfect fit in more ways than one," he said.

"It also allows for individualism in that you can customise the car to fit your own personality - there really are limitless possibilities."

Indeed, the new owner can choose everything from the colour and style of the metal work, including the choice of a Union Jack or Bermuda flag on the roof, or a funky array shades to adorn the body work, such as British racing green, midnight black and dark or white silver to mellow yellow, hot chocolate or chili red, to all the interior fabrics and furnishings, as wheel as a selection of wheel alloys.

Mr. Harris, who has been in talks with Bermuda Motors for the past few months in a bid to bring the Mini to Bermuda, was in attendance at the VIP launch party, where 300 punters flocked to see the new car and were entertained by InMotion School of Dance students modelling Mini Lifestyle accessories, fire dancers from RockFire and a Bermuda rock band Mohawk Radio playing the likes of Fleetwood Mac, as well as a four-lane Mini slot-racing track for the more adventurous – all under one 6,000 square-foot tent in City Hall car park, followed by an event for the public the next day.

"The interest from people is just amazing," he said.

"There is nothing more recognisable than the Mini – from the classic in The Italian Job to the new series engineered by BMW."

Michael Butler, general manager of Bermuda Motors, said: "We're very excited about bringing the Mini to Bermuda. It is without doubt one of the world's best-loved and most iconic vehicles – and we're delighted that Mini is coming to Bermuda in this, it's 50th anniversary year.

"We believe the Mini's compact size is just perfect for Bermuda's motoring environment and that Bermuda's discerning drivers will really appreciate the style and technology that BMW has brought to the brand since it took over Mini in 2001."