Hire a Mini Cooper for $ 0.40 an hour!

Introduced Wednesday, the car hire scheme with a difference is aimed at trying to cheer up the London population who, according to the latest research, are the least happy in the UK, experiencing on average only 142 minutes of fun a day.

And while there is no doubt that in terms of sheer driving experience, the Mini is one of the most fun cars currently available, trying to negotiate some of Europe’s most congested and poorly maintained roads might not be the best solution when faced with the problem of trying to cheer someone up.

However, at a price of just 26p (about $0.42) an hour, the venture is sure to attract a number of Londoners and tourists alike.

Available from a single docking station located on Berkeley Square in London, users simply deposit their money into a ticket machine and jump into the car.

Drivers are accompanied by a Mini representative for the duration of their hire in order to return the car to the station once the driver has reached his or her destination.

Those tempted will have to be quick. The scheme is only in operation for 48 hours.