New MINI spied

By Sam Hardy

06th June 2011

Take a look at next year's hottest small car. This is the all-new third-generation MINI – and it promises to be more spacious, cheaper to run, yet better to drive than the current version. 

Caught testing in Germany, this prototype is heavily disguised but it's easy to see how BMW's designers have moved the car on. For starters, it's slightly longer than the outgoing model, a bit wider and with sharper lines.

The bonnet is longer – presumably to allow it perform even more safely in pedestrian crash tests – while there are even larger headlights and slimmer A-pillars. The trademark 'smiling' grille is still present, though, as is the traditional 'wheel-at-each-corner' stance.

Under the skin, the third-generation car shares its new front-wheel drive platform with an upcoming FWD BMW model. Power will come from a range of next-generation petrol and diesel engines, including a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit capable of producing around 150bhp, while emitting less than 100g/km of CO2.

This Cooper S version – given away by its twin central exhausts – is likely to get a larger turbocharged unit, potentially an evolution of the current 1.6-litre turbo, boasting around 180bhp.

With a slightly longer wheelbase, expect more room inside, particulalry in the boot and the rear – an area where the new Audi A1 has stolen a march – while the cabin will be updated with a new dashboard.

Spies tell us it features an even larger central circular display, but with the top cut off  so that it sits flush with the top of the dashboard. The circular speedometer will remain though, while quality will be raised throughout.

As for the driving experience, engineers will be keen to keep hold of the MINI's agile driving dynamics but greatly improve the ride quality. Expect to see the new MINI at the Geneva Motor Show next year.