Third generation Mini to surface in 2014

Third generation Mini to surface in 2014

After a number of images of the vehicle being leaked on various website, further details have emerged about the next generation of BMW's extremely popular Mini.

The third generation of the Mini is thought to follow the concept design unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011. Though sticking to a similar design, the updates give the Mini a sportier look, with a more slanted windscreen, a bumper integrated into a front grille with increased size, with air intakes underneath. The rear bumper has been positioned lower down, and has also been increased. This is finished off with coronas of LEDs running rings around headlights.

The interior sees the standard speedometer replaced with an infotainment system, modelled in the original style, with many upgrades available to models with a higher specification. It looks like much of the retro look of the dashboard has gone and been bought up to modern standards, which may upset some purists.

The new mini's interior will be more spacious than current, with the option of a five door model available for the first time ever. It has not yet been announced, but with the upgrades made to the chassis and other areas, many think that four wheel drives may be available for higher spec models of the mini, as well as higher capacity engines. The upgraded mini engines will be new, with power at 115 bhp minimum, and turbo 1.5 litre units available in diesel and petrol models.

Whereas the Mini is usually associated with Oxford, a number of the new offerings will be built in the Netherlands, at the VDL Nedcar facility. This is in part due to the designs BMW have for selling the vehicle internationally.

Look out for the new Mini launch as early as November this year in the UK.

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