Although the new MINI Hatch is instantly recognisable, MINI affirms the car is completely new from the ground up. Every component has been back to the drawing board in an effort to optimise its function, performance and style. The result is 'The New Original', a MINI that is distinctly familiar but enhanced in every single way.

It features significant improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power delivery, and driving dynamics. The new MINI measures 3,821mm in length (3,850mm for the Cooper S), 1,727mm in width and 1,414mm in height.

Traditional cues such as the hexagonal contour of the radiator grille, circular headlights, 'side scuttle' indicator surrounds, upright rear light clusters and black lower body edging have all been subtly reinterpreted.

The new MINI is the first car in its segment to offer the option of LED headlamps for both dipped and main beam. They are surrounded by an LED daylight driving ring, the lower section of which reaches down to the white turn indicators. The rear light clusters also feature an all-LED design.

The expanded exterior dimensions result in greater space for the occupants and their luggage, including enhanced shoulder space and larger footwells. The front seats have been given a wider adjustment range, and the base has been lengthened by 23mm for additional comfort and support. A choice of fabric, leather finishes, or a combination of both, is available. Additionally it is easier to access the rear seats.

The dashboard is new but familiar. At the heart of the design changes is a new display and operating concept, illustrated by the instrument cluster on the steering column.

Speed, revs and fuel level are displayed on vertically arranged circular dials. The speedometer scale includes a colour panel for messages and vehicle status displays.

The iconic central instrument can now serve as a four-line TFT display as standard or optional colour screen up to 8.8-inches. Selection of these functions is performed via a choice of two new controllers, the MINI Controller or MINI Touch Controller, fitted in the centre console.

The new MINI Hatch features a range of three new engines, each featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The trio all offer improved performance figures, while fuel consumption and emission levels have been reduced by as much as 27 percent as compared to their predecessors to meet the stringent EU6 emissions criteria.

The new Cooper has a three-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 134bhp while the Cooper S has a four-cylinder petrol engine, which develops 189bhp. Meanwhile, the Cooper D houses a three-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 114bhp to mange an average combined economy of 80.7mpg under the EU test cycle.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard featuring rev matching on downward shifts and a six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. Additionally a six-speed sports automatic transmission is available as an option to engage shorter shift times. The transmission features rev matching on downward shifts and can be operated via shift paddles.

The new Cooper and Cooper D ride on 15-inch forged light alloy wheels, while the Cooper S is fitted with 16-inch light alloy wheels as standard. Rims up to 18 inches in diameter are available as optional extras.