Mini: Third generation 'unparalleled value'

The Mini Ray, generation three of the 'new Mini' is expected to be released next year. Photo / Supplied

Mini is counting down to the likely appearance of the third-generation model next year with the last version of the current shape, an update called the Ray and starting at $27,900.

The carmaker describes it as "unparalleled value for money" and has it on a monthly lease rate of $499.

"There are other small-car offerings in the marketplace which aspire to offer premium qualities and driving characteristics, but with Mini being part of the BMW Group, this new model is a premium product at a mainstream price," said New Zealand BMW managing director Mark Gilbert.

The Mini Ray is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine delivering 72kW of power and 153 Nm of torque. Mini claims town-and-around fuel economy of 5.4 litres/100km and rates CO2 exhaust emissions at 127gr/km.

It comes with the choice of manual or automatic gearboxes and a variety of exterior colours. The all-new Mini will offer more of the same when it is unveiled next year, most probably at the Geneva motor show in March.

European reports say it promises to be more spacious, cheaper to run, yet better to drive than the current version.

It has already been spied testing in Germany, heavily disguised but clearly longer and wider than the current Mini and with sharper lines.

BMW designers have moved the car on. The spy pictures show a longer bonnet, most likely to meet pedestrian crash test criteria, larger headlights and slimmer A-pillars. The trademark grille is still present.

Significant changes are expected under the skin. The new car will share its front-wheel-drive platform with an upcoming front-wheel-drive BMW.

Power will come from a range of updated petrol and diesel engines, including a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit producing around 110kW, while emitting less than 100gr/km of CO2.

The Cooper S version will be instantly recognisable by its twin exhausts and is likely to get a larger turbocharged engine, potentially an evolution of the current 1.6-litre unit, boasting around 135kW.

Inside, the cabin will get a new dashboard featuring an even larger central circular display, but with the top cut off so it sits flush with the top of the dashboard. The circular speedometer will remain.

Quality will be raised throughout and the slightly longer wheelbase will provide more room.

As for the driving experience, reports say engineers will be keen to keep the Mini's agile driving dynamics but greatly improve the ride quality.