Photos of what appears to be the next-generation MINI Hatch have been posted on Chinese social media showing a completely undisguised prototype that looks production-ready.
The pictures that were shared by numerous online users including Wilcoblok and journalist Greg Kable, were reportedly taken in a facility in China. They reveal the design of the new MINI from every angle, including the interior. As evidenced from the lettering on the rear end, the white vehicle is the Cooper S and is surrounded by three camouflaged prototypes of the MINI Hatch.
See Also: MINI Teases New 2023 Hatch, Confirms Next Countryman And EV Crossover
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Looks familiar but it’s really new
From the first glance, the car looks like a facelift of the current generation but closer inspection reveals that it is a clean-sheet design. The front end retains the signature round headlights with more modern LED graphics, the grille is mostly covered with a body-colored panel while the bumper has a simpler design. Another change is that the bonnet doesn’t enclose the headlights as in the previous generations.
The profile has familiar proportions with black pillars creating a wraparound look for the greenhouse and the trademark “floating roof” effect. The new generation appears to be more compact than the current model with shorter overhangs. Despite the fact that most automakers have abandoned the three-door bodystyle, MINI stays true to its heritage. In fact, the new MINI Hatch will likely be the only three-door model in production alongside the FIAT 500.
See Also: MINI Gives 2022 Hatches And Convertible A Maxi Update
At the back, changes are more significant with smaller and more aggressive taillights connected through a glossy-black strip that look like Spidey’s eyes. The hatch has a wider opening, while the rear windscreen has aerodynamic extensions on the sides.
Inside there is a huge round-shaped screen in the middle of the dashboard, and a head-up display instead of an instrument cluster. The dashboard looks a lot more uncluttered than in the outgoing MINI, while the interior will be completely leather-free with a focus on sustainability.
New MINI @MINI@BMW @BMWGroup @GWMGlobal pic.twitter.com/GFq55Rw2ai
— Greg Kable (@GregKable) December 10, 2021
Available with both ICE and pure electric variants
MINI has officially confirmed the MINI Hatch for a 2023 debut, stating that it will be available in both ICE-powered (gasoline/diesel) and electric variants. The new model is expected to ride on a shortened version of the evolved front-wheel-drive FAAR platform which will also underpin various models from the BMW Group. MINI will produce the new Hatch in its Oxford plant in the UK.
The British company wants half of its global sales by 2027 to be electric vehicles, before going all-electric at the beginning of the 2030s. This means that the new generation of the MINI Hatch will be the last one to be available with internal combustion engines, while the last ICE-powered new MINI model will appear in 2025.
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