BMW adds 'salt and pepper' to the Mini

BMW says the aim of the designers of the new Mini was to “capture the heart and soul” of the original while using the latest technology, firmly placing the car in the 21st century.

BMW, owners of the Mini brand, says the car will easily be the most advanced car of its size on the market when it's launched on July 7.

The company has targeted primarily at the 'young', between 20 and 34 with a “higher than average household income” with the Mini as their main car. The second target group will be those between 35 and 50, who remember the original Issigonis design, but want a “thoroughly up-to-date, yet stylish and affordable vehicle as a second or third car for the household.

The base level Mini One will go on sale first, from selected BMW Group dealerships. The higher specced Mini Cooper will be available later. The One will be offered in a single option level, known as Salt, and the Cooper in Pepper and Chili. Pepper adds 15-inch alloys and chrome inserts in the bumpers; Chili offers fabric and leather sports seats with extra side support and leather steering wheel, together with sports suspension, 16-inch alloys and roof spoiler.

The Cooper is powered by a four cylinder. 1.6-litre, 16v, 115bhp engine, which can reach 62mph in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 125mph. Combined fuel consumption is 42.2mpg.

The One (pictured) has a 90bhp engine giving it a 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds, top speed of 115mph and a combined fuel consumption of 43.5mpg.

The Cooper will come with a white or black roof and mirrors, irrespective of body colour, plus chrome grille, door handles, optional bumper inserts and either white or polished alloy wheels. Mini One has a body-coloured roof and black door mirrors, but retains the chrome door handles and grille surround.

Safety features include a rigid passenger safety cell and crumple zones and driver and front and side passenger airbags. The Mini is the only car in its class to offer front and passenger head airbags as an option. A tyre pressure warning indicator and a puncture repair kit are provided as standard. Optional 16 and 17-inch wheels are fitted with run-flat tyres.