END OF AN ERA
Mini reveals last of its kind Cooper with stylish new look as iconic model nears the end of seven-decade production run
Watch the video for a look inside the new car
MINI has revealed the last Cooper model of its kind, with an overhauled new look, as it nears the end of its seven-DECADE production run.
The beloved motor can trace its roots back to 1961 and has become one of the UK's most popular cars, with the original achieving icon status through its role in The Italian Job with Michael Caine.
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After previously scrapping the manual version of the model altogether, parent company BMW has now announced that this will be the last generation of the Cooper with a combustion engine.
The brand is set to make a switch to an all-electric lineup by 2030, with a Cooper EV already on sale.
This leaves no room for the petrol variant, which is set to die off by the end of the decade.
The new car, which is based on the Mini Hatch platform but was rechristened as a Cooper, will offer a classic three-door option for Mini fans to experience one last ride.
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The C and S variants are on sale now and will be produced at the brand's Oxfordshire plant, unlike the EVs which are set to be made in China until 2026.
They will also be significantly cheaper than their electric successors, with the base C model retailing at £22,300 compared to £31,945 for the E version.
Likewise, the S will clock in at nearly £7,000 less than the SE.
The C will feature a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine laying down 145 horsepower, which is plenty for such a small car.
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It also features seven "Experience Modes" for drivers to choose from, including Green, Timeless and Go-Kart settings.
Inside, the dash is dominated by a circular OLED touchscreen display which houses most of the usual functions like climate controls.
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It will also include the Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant, similar to Amazon Alexa, which will allow the driver to make use of voice controls.
All you have to do is say "Hey Mini" and a 3D avatar named "Spike" will appear to answer any questions or action commands.
Owners will also be able to use their smartphones as a key via the manufacturer's app.
Mini boss Stefanie Wurst said: "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 a 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."
Five-door versions, including a convertible and a hot hatch tuned by John Cooper Works, will also be released as part of the lineup before the petrol Cooper is consigned to history.
Best of British: The history of the Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper emerged in 1961 as the result of the friendship between the British Motor Corporation's head designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, and John Cooper, the head of the Cooper Car Company.
Cooper, who was also a designer of F1 cars, felt that the original Mini, first produced in 1959, had the potential to be tuned up for the world of motorsport.
The car debuted under both the Austin and Morris brands and was a commercial hit, with over 80,000 Mk I versions sold.
The Cooper was considered an icon of '60s Britain, particularly after they were used by Michael Caine and his band of bullion thieves in 1969's The Italian Job.
The original was discontinued in 1971 before being revived in 1990 under the ownership of the Rover Group, following the collapse of British Leyland.
Mini was then purchased as a standalone brand by BMW Group in 2000 when Rover was liquidated and continues to produce the Cooper to this day.
The lineage is set to continue on beyond 2030 in the form of an electric supermini bearing the iconic Cooper nameplate.
It comes after Mini discontinued another of its best-known models earlier this year.
The final Clubman rolled off production lines in February, marking the end of its 50-year history.
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It too will see an EV replacement in the form of the Aceman, while the Countryman model will continue to represent the brand in the SUV market for the time being.
And if your Mini is due for a change, why not cast an eye over the six ultra-reliable cars you can pick up for under £4,000?
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