Mini mellows over spy-shot scandal

BRITISH brand Mini says it will keep a stiff upper lip despite spy photographers capturing its next-generation Cooper in the wild.

However, rather than lament the loss of surprise, Mini has released spy images of its own, giving a tantalising glimpse of what it says the spy photographers failed to see.

“We understand the worldwide interest in our family but it is not the British way to send such unfavourable pictures around the globe,” the car-maker posted online after the spy images spread like wildfire around the world.

“But like a good stiff-upper-lipped Brit, MINI shall not complain, although we would like to officially state that we are not flattered. The published pictures do not reflect our good looks anyway.

“As every celebrity knows, those extra long telephoto lenses have the devastating ability to negatively distort all surfaces, lines and angles.

“Therefore our advice: next time come closer to the object of desire. If that doesn’t work, don’t worry, shortly you will have the opportunity to experience the MINI up close and personal, and to take pictures from all angles.” The third-generation Mini is due on sale next year and is set to share its underpinnings with the first of a new generation of city-friendly, front-wheel-drive BMW models, as well as the all-new X1 compact soft-roader.

Rumour also suggests the modern-day Mini will abandon its traditional four-cylinder engine line-up in favour of a new family of three-cylinder engines that will include the traditional split between normally aspirated and turbocharged versions.

However, one Mini keepsake is now relegated to the history books – the big, centrally mounted speedo that has defined the car since its inception.