Spied: New Mini Cooper S

Yes, the current MINI will get a successor. No, it won’t be much different from today’s car. All the old model on first sight, the MINI Mk. II will go on sale in early 2007. A second sight, however, reveals the modifications, partly necessary from the safety point of view, partly to ensure its success for another decade or so.

Editor's Note: Mr. Bean, your new car has arrived.

Read "Spy Photos: More New Mini Cooper S" @ World Car Fans

Looks pretty much the same. The interesting part is what comes under the hood. I wish they would offer the diesel here.

A diesel would be nice. So would more power. I think it's going to be interesting to see what other versions Mini puts out. Two door and sport version, check, but what else?

1. The Cooper S should get a push towards 200bhp.

2. From what I've seen on a few spy pics, the interior materials will be upgraded significantly over the current car's so-so materials.

3. Hopefully the window problems go away.

4. Hopefully the diesel will be the 110bhp 1.6L PSA engine in place of the current car's 1.4L Toyota engine.

5. Dealer training is already scheduled.

@ sciguy: there's a little station wagon being tested but I don't know about any other variants.

UGLY.

I was a big fan of the MkI "RETRO" MINI but this is stupid.

It grew an ugly hump (butt) and the nose got extended in

a most awkward way... looks unflattering to say the least.

Darn, the end of the Chrysler engines in the Mini, and the beginning of the joint-venture BMW/PSA units.

Ah, but the world and technology moves on.