• Engine size - What does it mean when someone states that their car has a 2.0 litre engine? The figure stated for an engine's size relates to the capacity of its cylinders when each piston is at the lowest point of its stroke. The volume of all the cylinders from the top to the bottom of the stroke is calculated and given in cubic centimetres (cc): 1,000 cc = 1 litre. You often find engine sizes are rounded up to the nearest litre.
• Speed of an engine - The speed of an engine is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). Each revolution is one turn of the crankshaft. Most modern petrol engines can run up to 6,000 rpm.
• Power - Engine power is the engine's work rate – either expressed as a PS rating (the metric equivalent of the old unit of horsepower) or in kilowatts (kW). The figure given for engine power is always the maximum work rate and is quoted with the engine speed at which that maximum is achieved. For example, a MINI Cooper S has 128 kW at 5,500 rpm.

Petrol and diesel are fossil fuels that give off carbon dioxide (CO2) when they are burnt in combustion engines. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, which is contributing to climate change. Measures to reduce CO2 emissions include reducing weight and friction, improving aerodynamics and using more efficient combustion technologies. Some car manufacturers are developing cars that aren't powered by fossil fuels, but instead use ‘clean' sources of power, such as hydrogen or electricity from renewable sources.

MINIMALISM technologies, designed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve the efficiency of the MINI, include:

• Auto Start/Stop – Auto Start/Stop is a fuel saving technology that switches the MINI's engine off automatically whenever it is stationary and in neutral, for example at traffic lights or in a traffic jam. As soon as the driver puts their foot on the clutch again, the engine restarts instantly. By reducing the amount of fuel that is used, Auto Start/Stop contributes to lower CO2 emissions.
• Shift Point Display – The Shift Point Display, located within the rev-counter display, tells MINI drivers which gear is the most efficient to use. Driving in the most efficient gear means that drivers can use less fuel and, in turn, the car produces fewer emissions.
• Brake Energy Regeneration – Today's vehicles require much more electrical energy than older models, due to the much wider array of electrical systems. The energy is created by the generator, also known as the alternator, which converts the engine's power output into electricity. In conventional systems, the generator is permanently driven by a belt connected to the engine.
  
  Brake Energy Regeneration operates differently: the generator is activated only when you take your foot from the accelerator or apply the brake. The kinetic (movement) energy that would otherwise go to waste is converted into electricity and stored in the battery

> Find out more about MINIMALISM (PDF)

The purpose of servicing is to inspect and maintain the car to make sure it continues to run smoothly and efficiently. Inspections are more about visually checking and examining the actual condition of a vehicle, whereas maintenance is more to do with carrying out measures to maintain the functioning of the vehicle. During the maintenance and inspection process, individual components and systems are checked for condition and function. Particular attention is paid to checking for wear, leaks and low-fill levels, and optimal states are restored as necessary.

The maintenance service and inspection are also designed to make sure the car retains its value as much as possible. If the inspection of the vehicle reveals there to be defects or damage that would jeopardise the vehicle's reliability, but that cannot be corrected by regular maintenance service, it will be necessary to carry out appropriate repairs, with the agreement of the customer.