The Mini Cooper, with its slick heist film heritage and updated funky appearance, has given rise to the "friendliest" drivers, it has been revealed.

A study by Carcraft has concluded that Mini Cooper drivers are the most sociable of all drivers.

As people who have enjoyed a Mini Cooper hire will know, the fun cars inspire their drivers with loyalty, and as a result, owners enjoy sharing their love for their motor with like-minded individuals online.

The study revealed that more than 20,000 Mini Cooper owners had used social networks to form over 300 groups on the web.

According to the study: "It is interesting to see that cars are not only viewed as a symbol of wealth and status but they are increasingly becoming a crucial part of people's identity and social life."

The Mini Cooper has long been seen as a cool car, stealing the show both in the original Michael Caine version of the Italian Job and the recent remake starring Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron.

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