New MINIs are miles better

As the firm unveils these official shots of its revamped entry-level model and oil-burning hot hatch, it claims budget buyers can expect miles more for their money, too.

It's the first time the Cooper badge has been linked to diesel, and the result is a thrifty 64.2mpg, with emissions low enough to keep the car in the Band B tax bracket. The One also promises better economy than before, with a boost to 49.6mpg from 41.5mpg in the outgoing model. However, the bad news for oil-burning fans is that there are no plans for a One D at present.

As with the new Cooper S and Cooper already seen, the shape of these second-generation models hasn't changed dramat-ically. But both share new family features such as the raised headlamp position, while the One gets a black finish on the radiator grille, door mirrors and tailgate handle.

The biggest alterations have been made under the bonnet, and MINI says the newcomers will not be short on thrills. The Cooper D has an all-new 110bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel motor promising 0-60mph in 9.9 seconds and peak torque of 240Nm at 1,750rpm. Meanwhile, the One's output is also increased, from 90bhp to 95bhp, with its 1.4-litre engine based on the 1.6 unit featured in the current Cooper. MINI has not ruled out the possibility of adding a new One D to the line-up, but a spokeswoman said: "It won't be this year."

Both new models will be in showrooms in April, with prices starting at £11,595 for the One and £14,190 for the Cooper D.