Industry experts have predicted strong RV's for the new Mini.

The Mini is set to enter the supermini sector alongside the Peugeot 206, Ford Ka and the Volkswagen Lupo, but it will also have to compete against lifestyle cars such as the Volkswagen Beetle and the Audi A2.

The Mini's strength lies in its appeal to a broad cross-section of drivers, according to Mark Norman, senior editor of Cap Monitor, who forecast that the £10,300 Mini One will retain 43% of its value at three years/60,000 miles, while Glass's AutoProVision is predicting £4,500 (45%).

Bill Carter, editor of Glass's AutoProVision, anticipates competitive service and maintenance costs for the Mini, further improving its wholelife costs, with those equipped with air conditioning, leather upholstery, and CD player likely to have the strongest RVs. The Mini goes on sale on July 7.