First look: Mini Concept Detroit previews next Cooper

MINI has unveiled a near-production version of its new Cooper and confirmed that the brand will grow to three models in Australia within three years.

The Mini Concept Detroit is likely to be called the Traveller or Countryman when it goes on sale. It has barn-door-style rear doors and a bigger, more practical interior.

The car is bigger in every dimension than the current car. The concept’s distinctive front-end styling is also tipped to go into production.

The new Mini is expected to debut at the Paris motor show in September and go on sale here next year. It will use a range of Peugeot-derived engines, with the Cooper S tipped to get a 126kW 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.