Today BMW Mini launched their all new Mini Mark II. After building 800,000 Mark I examples, the entire car has been redesigned, yet MINI retains and authentically updates its key characteristics: cheeky, sporty performance, instantly recognisable style and go-kart handling.

An all-new power train with refined, high-tech, clean engines, lighter kerb weight, more standard features and even more personalisation options define the new car.

The Mark II mini is now completely re-engineered and it now shares its platform with PSA Peugeot Citroen. Although it is hard to tell the car apart from the first generation New Mini it has had a complete reskin and is in fact 60mm longer.

The engines are all new too, The new “Prince” engine was jointly developed with Peugeot unlike the old motor that was known as the Tritec engine that was a joint venture between BMW and Chrysler. The Tritec engine venture existed prior to Mercedes merger with Chrysler, and it’s fair to say BMW would be happy to see the end of their main rivals engine under the bonnet of the BMW Mini. The Prince engine is to be assembled in the UK from mainly French components unlike the Tritec that was built in Brazil.

Inside the new model has been redesigned and once again retains the familiar look of the Mark I. benefits to the interior redesign include improved rear legroom and an extra 10 litres boot space. The centre mounted speedo is still a striking feature of the Mini and will be featured on the Australian market versions for the first time. Previous Australian Mini’s had to have their speedo positioned on top of the steering column due to design rules. The Mark II sees the rev counter and speedo swap positions to the way they were meant to be.