The decision comes after transport officials said she could not sell her old car and start driving the brand-new Nissan NX Coupe.

Miss Mitchell won the glamour car when she was controversially crowned Miss Bermuda Islands more than a month ago.

Her victory was immediately challenged by critics who attacked her performance and the judging system.

Then TCD ruled that because of Bermuda's laws on car ownership, she could not sell her old car, a three-year-old Ford Laser, and accept the new one straight away.

"I'm going to keep my own car because it's more economical,'' said Miss Mitchell yesterday.

"I'm accepting offers for the Nissan, and I'm willing to sell it with its CD stereo system.'' Miss Mitchell goes to South Africa on Tuesday to prepare for the Miss World contest.