2015 Mini Hatch Makes Early Outing with First Official Photos [Updated Gallery]

Update: 18 HD photos have been added to the gallery of official images

Official photos of the 2015 Mini hatch were leaked online today ahead of the car’s premiere during a special event tonight in London at 9:00 PM GMT (4:00 PM EST) and its exhibition premiere in front of international audiences at simultaneous unveilings at this week’s Los Angeles and Tokyo Motor Shows.

The design of the new Mini hatch is an evolution of Frank Stephenson’s 2001 model and to be frank, most people will have to really pay attention to details in order to tell apart the three generations of the 21st century model.

While the eye may see familiar design treats reminiscent of the past, the Mk3 is really new where it matters, from the BMW Group’s bigger front and all-wheel drive UKL1 platform, to the engine range that welcomes new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged units and a fresh assortments of driver assist systems.

A report from Bangkokpost, goes into more specifics stating that the new Mini benefits from a 28mm longer wheelbase length and a 51-liter increase in boot capacity.

It also mentions that the 136hp 1.5-liter Cooper that replaces the 122hp 1.6-liter model reduces 0-100km/h (62mph) from 10.4 seconds to 7.8 seconds. The Cooper S’ new 192hp 2.0-liter turbo that replaces the 184hp 1.6-liter turbo unit cuts the same acceleration time from 7.2 seconds to 6.7 seconds. Both units are said to offer improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures.

More to come later today.

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