MINI’s next hatchback is set to shrink slightly in size and will adopt the Cooper nameplate
- Petrol and fully-electric powertrains
- Three/five-door and convertible bodystyles
- Due to arrive in 2024
While most brands are turning their focus towards SUVs and crossovers, MINI is preparing to launch an all-new version of its iconic small hatchback. Set to be renamed MINI Cooper – with the Cooper nameplate evolving from simply a trim level to part of the car’s model name – the next-generation supermini will be available in both mild-hybrid petrol and fully-electric form.
We expect the fourth iteration of the BMW Group MINI to arrive sometime in 2024, perhaps with an unveiling towards the end of 2023. However, we’ve already driven a prototype of the electric variant, so make sure to read on to get our impressions on that.
In spite of their name, MINIs have been getting larger and larger over the years; however, this new model is actually set to shrink in size slightly, but with a longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) to maximise passenger space. This means the new car will be a rival to the likes of the new Fiat 500 and upcoming Renault 5, rather than the larger Audi A1 Sportback and Peugeot 208.
Our preview images show the next MINI will adopt a more minimalist design than the outgoing car, with redesigned LED headlights and aerodynamic, flush door handles. On the inside, the dashboard will be dominated by a larger, circular touchscreen, as previewed in the MINI Aceman concept car.
As previously mentioned and unlike the Renault 5 and Fiat 500, buyers will be able to choose from either a petrol or a fully-electric powertrain. The petrol models – set to be built in Britain – will be available in three and five-door forms, as well as a soft-top Convertible. While exact specifications are hard to pinpoint at this stage, it’s likely petrol MINIs will get some form of mild-hybrid assistance, which should help improve efficiency.
MINI Cooper Electric models will instead be built in China and will look identical to their petrol counterparts, despite sitting on entirely different underpinnings. The current MINI Electric offers a range of just 150 miles and we expect the new car to improve on this significantly; a range of around 200-250 miles is necessary to remain competitive with rivals.
Speaking to our sister publication Auto Express, MINI boss Stephanie Wurst hinted at a wider collaboration between the brand and the artist/fashion designer, Paul Smith. Rather than launching one-off special editions such as the iconic multicoloured striped MINI, it’s likely the new car will be available in a specific Paul Smith trim level, alongside returning Cooper S and range-topping John Cooper Works models.
MINI Electric prototype review by James Brodie
We travelled to Sweden’s frozen lakes to sample a camouflaged MINI Cooper Electric development mule. It’ll be a little while before we actually drive an production example, but the comparison between the current car and the next-generation prototype is interesting nonetheless.
The MINI Cooper Electric is set to ride on a bespoke platform, with a longer wheelbase (the distance between front and rear wheels) than the outgoing car. Combined with the shorter overhangs front and rear, it memes there should be an improvement in passenger space. This increased room will be enhanced by the inclusion of a totally flat floor inside.
MINI’s engineers have based themselves in the Arctic Circle to ensure the car works well in cold weather, and that crucially it’s as efficient as possible to preserve range. The stability systems can also be fine-tuned on the icy surfaces, and our test car seemed adept at minimising wheelspin. Hot-weather testing and high-speed runs are yet to come, while we’ll be able to get a better grasp on the handling once we get the chance to drive the MINI Electric on a tarmac road.
Our guide, MINI engineer Klaus Bramer, explained that the new MINI Cooper Electric is slightly lighter than the car it’ll replace, and the centre of gravity is lower as well.
”We have a larger wheelbase and wider track to make it more comfortable. With the centre of gravity we can make it more agile than the last one; it feels more playful”.
”We have 18 months to go and right now it is driving pretty good. I’m pretty sure our customers will be happy with it”, he added.
Keyword: 2024 MINI Cooper to be offered in petrol and electric form