A significantly updated version of the Mini Cooper is almost here. That alone is reason to celebrate, since the Mini is one of the most entertaining small cars on the planet.
But the Mini brand opted to go one better.
The trendy hatchback will make its first official appearance on November 18, a very significant date to fans of the Mini Cooper – especially the first-generation model which debuted back in 1959.
That day happens to be the 107th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, an engineering genius who designed iconic small cars like the Morris Minor and, as you’ve guessed, the original Mini.
It was Issigonis who insisted the car be low to the ground, have its wheels pushed out to the corners, and that the engine should be mounted transversely in the car’s stubby nose. Much of this seems pretty standard practice but, at the time, the layout of the first Mini was nothing short of revolutionary.
Expect the new model to break some new ground too, especially in terms of its engine lineup. For the first time ever, a 3-cylinder will be offered in the Mini Cooper. A range of larger 4-cylinders, including sport-tuned turbocharged versions, will also be available.
A hint at what to expect was provided a few weeks ago, courtesy of the Mini Vision Concept. More expressive headlights, larger taillights, and a significantly revamped cabin mark out some of the changes that are most likely to migrate from the Vision Concept to the production model.
With extra pressure from trendy and well-equipped small cars like the Fiat 500 and Ford Fiesta, the new Mini Cooper will have its work cut out for it when the dust sheets are pulled off at the company’s factory in Oxford, England.
Look for the new Mini Cooper to quickly sprint around the world, with near-simultaneous unveilings planned in Los Angeles and Tokyo on November 20.
Sales of the new Mini are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2014.
