MINI hatch teased ahead of 2023 debut

MINI has released its first teaser of the all-new MINI hatch it will launch in 2023 and confirmed it will spin-off both a Countryman successor and an all-electric SUV.

Set to be unveiled late next year, the big news is the 2023 MINI hatch will remain powered by combustion engines ahead of the brand's declared 2030 deadline to become an all-EV car-maker.

Rivals like the Fiat 500 have already switched to battery-electric power following the backlash against petrol and diesel emissions and proposed bans of combustion-powered cars in major cities.

Despite posting a picture of a fully camouflaged hatch, it is possible to make out its smoother lines and it looks like designers are keen to stick to similar proportions, although the enlarged headlights and even shorter overhangs hint at much change for the fourth-generation MINI beneath the skin.

Interestingly, the prototype teased features 'Electric Test Vehicle' stickers on its doors, suggesting it's powered by the brand's next-gen pure-electric powertrain.

At the rear of the car, there's only a subtle evolution of the past three generations, with a tailgate spoiler and oversized pair of tail-lights set to continue to dominate.

Like before, the hatch will be offered both as a three-door and five-door but promises to come with a more radical interior design that will major in tech.

High levels of personalisation will also be possible, thanks to surfaces that can act as "canvases that can be tailored".

Expected to sit on an updated version of the FAAR platform that's currently used for models like the BMW 1 Series, X1 and the MINI Countryman, the new MINI hatch is expected to boast mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains and Level 3 semi-autonomous cruising, although the most advanced driving aids are not expected to be offered from launch and will be introduced later.

Following its launch, the BMW-owned British brand says it will introduce a larger, all-new MINI Countryman SUV that will also feature a battery-electric powertrain option, as part of plans to meet its sales target that by 2027 50 per cent of the cars it sells will be zero-emission.

Filling the gap created by a larger Countryman will be another SUV that will be built in China, as part of a joint venture with Great Wall Motors. That car is expected to only be offered with pure-electric power.

A second Great Wall/MINI will also be introduced that will be called the 'Minor' and will slot in as new entry-level city car below the hatch.

In the pipeline is a third people-mover that is set to be loosely based on the Urbanaut concept that was recently involved at the Munich motor show.

Since MINI says it will launch its last combustion-engined car in 2025 it's likely that model will be battery-electric too.

Finally, for hot hatch fans, MINI's high-performance sub-brand John Cooper Works is readying a hot battery-electric version on the next-gen hatch that will draw inspiration from the recent Pacesetter Formula E pace car.