FOLLOWING the launch of the new MINI Cooper Electric, the Cooper family has grown with the introduction of two new petrol models - the MINI Cooper C and the performance enhanced MINI Cooper S.

Like its all-electric counterpart, the MINI Cooper combines minimalist design, traditional brand values and iconic go-kart handling.

"At MINI, 'Power of Choice' means that in addition to all-electric MINI models, we also offer models such as the new MINI Cooper with petrol engine. The car is ideal for all those people who want to drive a classic MINI 3-door and appreciate the traditional performance and characteristic sound of a combustion engine," said Stefanie Wurst, head of MINI.

The new MINI Cooper will be built at MINI Plant Oxford and is available in three trim levels - Classic, Exclusive and Sport. Priced from £22,300 first deliveries will take place in spring 2024 with the Cooper S priced from £26,700.

With an increased output of 204hp, the four-cylinder engine of the MINI Cooper Saccelerates the vehicle from 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds and a maximum of 139mph.

The MINI Cooper Cis equipped with a 156hp, three-cylinder engine, which delivers the 0-62mph sprint in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 150mph.

The new car features clear surfaces, short overhangs and a short bonnet combined with a contrasting long wheelbase while chrome is completely removed from the vehicle, bringing a fresh take to the exterior design.

The front end is characterised by a new octagonal grille with filigree contour.

Positioned either side are newly designed circular LED headlights, which are available optionally with three customisable light signatures, each with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation.

The rear of the MINI Cooper features clear surfaces and redesigned matrix lights which can be switched to different modes in the same way as the headlights.

The new MINI Cooper is available in three trims: Classic, Exclusive and Sport.

Classic trim presents a reduced overall appearance while highlighting key elements such as the MINI wings logo while the Exclusive model brings further customisation options, adding a British Racing Green exterior paint, Vescin Nightshade Blue interior, a dark interior headliner and the front grille in Vibrant Silver.

Finally, Sport trim offers Sports Transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel, a distinctive front and rear design featuring a high-gloss black hexagonal patterned grill surround and logo, and rear spoiler with airblades.

Inside, the cockpit is focussed on just three elements: the new Vescin steering wheel, a 24cm circular OLED display and toggle bar.

The dashboard is constructed using a textile surface, where a specially developed knitting process has been used to create a versatile, easy-care material in a two-tone design that is made of recycled polyester. Behind the steering wheel is an optional head-up display.

All the most important driving functions including parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, Experience Mode toggle and volume control are now directly accessed via the toggle bar and the removal of the gearstick has created extra space for a new Wireless Charging shelf.

By folding down the rear seats in a 60:40 ratio, the luggage compartment can be expanded from 210 litres to provide a maximum volume of up to 725 litres.

Both new models have circular 24cm OLED central display screens from which all vehicle functions can be operated either via touch or voice control while the new MINI Cooper has seven experience modes which change the vehicle's characteristics and alter the interior display.