The new Mini was unveiled to the world yesterday for the first time at Mini’s UK production plant in Oxford.
Completely new from the ground up, this latest generation will go on sale early next year.
Although not a big departure from the current generation when it comes to design, the new Mini is longer, wider and more efficient than ever before. It also offers an enhanced standard specification and a new range of safety technology including pedestrian protection.
CO2 emissions have also been improved and upon launch there will be a pair of engines available – a three-cylinder, 136bhp turbocharged petrol ‘Cooper’ and a ‘Cooper D’ diesel with 116bhp.
At the launch the BMW Group also announced a £750 million investment across three of the group’s UK manufacturing facilities which means additional job security for the 5,500 currently working in the UK Mini production network.
Harald Krueger, BMW Group’s board member for production, said: “In our Oxford plant’s centenary year, we are continuing the Mini brand success story and today starting production of the third model generation. Our total investment of £750 million in our British production locations of Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall between 2012 and 2015 underscores the importance of the Mini production triangle within our global production network. The UK is the heart of Mini production – thanks to the experience, competence and strong commitment of all our employees.”
Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW Group’s board member for Mini, BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce, Aftersales BMW Group said: “Mini is an inspiration for trend-setters and creative spirits the world over. And with our latest generation of Mini Hatch, we want to excite once again. To ensure the new generation of Mini Hatch is as successful as its predecessors, we have made just subtle modifications to its design. But beneath the outer skin is a brand-new car with state-of-the-art technologies seen for the small car. ”
Click here to read our full preview of the new Mini hatchback
