Mini all couped up

BMW has released its first official images of the forthcoming Mini Coupe, along with full details on the new two-door bodystyle and available drivetrains.

Designed as a premium compact coupe, the two-seat three-box Mini is 20mm longer than the hatch (at 3734mm) with an identical 2467mm wheelbase. It is the same width, but 29mm lower (1384mm). Its track (both front and rear) is pushed out by 4mm.

The Mini Coupe’s styling features include a flat silhouette, “helmet roof”, integral roof spoiler and an active rear spoiler that extends automatically at 80km/h.

Although the Coupe is strictly a two-seater, a large, high-opening tailgate and a wide through-loading system that can be opened from the driver’s or passenger’s seat, is standard.

Powertrains available internationally include 90kW atmo 1.6 (Cooper), 135kW turbo 1.6 (Cooper S) and 155kW turbo 1.6 (Cooper JCW) petrols, and a 105kW/305Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel. All hook up to a six-speed manual or (with the exception of JCW) six-speed automatic gearbox.

BMW Australia is yet to announce which of these variants will arrive here when the Mini Coupe launches locally in November.