FOURTEEN years on from the first BMW Mini, and here is the third generation – the Mark III MINI.

At launch there are three petrol models and two diesels (ONE, Cooper, Cooper S, ONE Diesel, Cooper Diesel respectively).

Over half of the 4000 orders already received in the UK are for Coopers, because higher projected residual values wipe out most of the difference in monthly payments compared with the slightly cheaper ONE, spread across a typical 36 month deal.

It’s a bit of a no-brainer for business users.

The dilemma is whether to go diesel (read our review of the MINI Cooper D) or petrol. The Cooper S is not to be overlooked – it’s a real cracker.  

1. It’s Bigger! 

98mm longer; 44mm wider; 7mm taller, and the wheelbase 28mm longer and the track wider front and rear. This means a roomier interior particularly for front occupants.

2. An Estate is coming…

…which is handy because while bigger overall, the fractionally larger boot remains tiny at 211 litres.

3. BMW engines, finally!

For the first time, all the engines are genuinely BMW units, and all-new. Both Coopers are three cylinder units, the Cooper S retaining four.