THE EXPERTS ARE IMPRESSED (AGAIN).

"Our first experience of the new all-electric MINI is hugely positive. It could turn out to be a real SUV superstar."

"The new third-generation will grow in size to make way for a new, more compact crossover."

"Though its larger proportions may suggest otherwise, the design will still be unmistakably MINI."

"On the road, MINI has tried to make the new car more comfortable without losing the sense of fun."

"It's more than quick enough, and it gets three normal fixed regenerative-braking modes. The big change is that it’s noticeably roomier in the back, and the boot space has been boosted too."

"We’ve got our first look at the interior of the new car, with several elements acting as a tribute to the original Austin Mini. This will hark back to the 60s icon."

"Plenty of design tweaks are visible for the hot hatch, including a different shape for the front grille, a large roof spoiler, plus a new diffuser that forms part of a more aggressive rear bumper."

"It’s the electric MINI the world has been crying out for. The tech and quality are all very MINI in their attitude and execution, and everything is very cleverly done. It’s a car that leaves us smiling and wanting more – as every MINI should."

"The steering is transformed. It’s now actually quite light, even in Sport driving mode, feeling natural and delicately letting you know what’s going on. The hint of torque steer when you accelerate hard out of corners is all part of the hot hatch experience."

"The British brand has revealed an overhauled cabin for the first time that features more advanced infotainment and some clever personalisation features."

"MINI is going back to its roots with a simple, retro-futuristic cabin arrangement for its 2024 Cooper EV - inspired by Alec Issigonis's design for the original 1959 car. The centrepiece of the redesigned interior is an expansive central touchscreen, modelled on the trademark central speedometer that has featured in every MINI hatch since the original Austin Seven."

"The MINI Interaction Unit measures 24cm in diameter and CAR has sampled its graphics in action: they’re pin-sharp and fast-reacting. MINI’s designers are balancing modern graphics with a more retro style, including the ability to set the dials into a retro typeface reminiscent of the 1950s original."

"The infotainment unit is an OLED touchscreen display that shows literally every piece of information you might need. There’s loads of different fabrics inside the new Cooper actually. We’re told this is a knitted dashboard that has light projected onto it to create different patterns, and there will be different MINI ‘Experience Modes’ that should change the feel of the interior."