New 2014 Mini unveiled, India launch next year

Mini has gone ahead and unveiled the all-new 2014 hatchback. The unveiling took place at the Cowley plant in Oxford, UK. This is the third generation of the iconic 'small car'.

In terms of size, the new car is bigger

In terms of size, the new car is bigger. It is 98mm longer than the previous model, 44mm wider and 7mm taller. Wheelbase is extended by 28mm, track at the front is wider by 42mm and 34mm at the rear. Boot space has increased from 160 litres to 211 litres. The 2014 Mini uses BMW's new front-wheel-drive platform architecture, UKL1. This will go on to underpin a total of 10 Mini and BMW vehicles in the near future.

The Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S will go on sale first. The entry-level Mini One and a flagship high-performance John Cooper Works model could come later. The Cooper and Cooper D are powered by 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The Cooper churns out 134PS while the Cooper D delivers 114PS. The Cooper goes from 0-100kmph in a claimed 7.9 seconds while the Cooper D takes 9.2 seconds. The Cooper S has a 2.0-litre turbo that dishes out 189PS, which helps it sprint from naught to 100kmph in 6.8 seconds. The engines can be mated to a choice of three six-speed gearboxes, a manual which can read heel and toe downshifts, an auto, and a sports auto which is a dual-clutch that claims shorter shift times and rev-matching downshifts.

The Mini uses BMW's new front-wheel-drive platform architecture, UKL1

On the outside, the essence of the Mini stays the same. Round headlamps get the new LED daytime running lights in a semicircle. Small ovehangs, redesigned hood and compact sizing is still typical of Mini. On the inside, there is an optional storage space, which includes a multi-level boot floor and rear seats that can be tilted to increase passenger or luggage space as required. The central speedometer is adorned with LEDs that turn blue, orange or red depending on which mode the car is in, Mid, Sport or Green. The LEDs are also connected to the optional sat-nav system so the ring of lights gets smaller as you approach a specified turning. Parking sensors also work in tandem with the LEDs, turning green, yellow or red depending on the parking space available. The car debuts the safety and driver systems that have already been spoken about. These include head-up display, collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function and park assist.

Round headlamps get the new LED daytime running lights in a semicircle

The new Mini goes into production in the coming week and has a March 2014 launch date. The Cooper starts at £15,300, the Cooper D is priced at £16,450 and the Cooper S starts at £18,650. Closer home, Mini may display the entire range at the upcoming Auto Expo 2014 and announce plans of sale and prices thereafter.

[2014 Mini image gallery]