Price hikes for upgraded MINI hatch and cabrio

When the upgraded 2018 MINI Cooper hatch and convertible models arrive in Australia from July, prices will go up – a little bit for some models, a lot for others.

Despite this, MINI says the new models will deliver improved value for customers, quite apart from their refreshed exterior designs with new-look LED headlights and funky Union Jack LED tail-lights, five new colours and more interior customisation options.

The entry-level three-door MINI Cooper hatch gets slugged with the biggest price rise -- almost $2000 -- to $29,990 for the 1.5-litre (100kW/220Nm) turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine.

However. MINI reckons $3600 of extra value is added via things like the MINI Connected 4G system and a new touch-screen infotainment set-up that’s now standard on all models.

There's also a new 'MINI Yours' customisation offering that makes new 3D-printed accessories available, starting with a custom cockpit fascia and exterior side scuttles.

The MINI Cooper 5 Door hatch's price is up by $1900 to $31,150, but again adds value equal to around $3600 worth of extra goodies, says MINI.

Next on the list is the MINI Cooper S, the price of which jumps $200 to $39,900. MINI Australia says it adds $1100 of extra fruit, although it retains the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (141kW/280Nm). The same six-speed manual or a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is offered.

The MINI Cooper S 5 Door hatch is also up, by $200, to $41,150.

At the top of the tree is the new 2018 MINI JCW or John Cooper Works, powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol as its predecessor (170kW/320Nm).

However, it misses out on the new seven-speed double-clutch auto, instead using the carryover eight-speed slush box.

The MINI JCW's sticker price has risen by $1000 to $49,900, but according to MINI it brings $1100 worth of added value.

MINI Cooper Convertible prices have also been hiked across the range. The MINI Cooper Convertible has risen from $39,600 to an easier-to-read $40,900 -- up $1300 according to MINI, but brings $2200 worth of extra value to the car.

The rag-top versions of the MINI Cooper S and MINI JCW are up $400 and $1000 to $47,900 and $57,900 respectively. They get $1100 worth of extras compared to the current models.

For the first three months of 2018, MINI sales are up 16.6 per cent year on year, from 893 in 2017 to 1041 this year. The top-selling model is the MINI hatch, followed by the Countryman SUV, Clubman wagon and the convertible.

How much does a 2018 MINI cost?

Cooper 3 Door -- $29,900
Cooper S 3 Door -- $39,900
Cooper JCW 3 Door -- $49,900
Cooper 5 Door -- $31,150
Cooper S 5 Door -- $41,150
Cooper Convertible -- $40,900
Cooper S Convertible -- $47,900
Cooper JCW Convertible -- $57,900

* Prices exclude on-road costs