What's all this then?
Anyone who drove an original 1959 Austin 7, or the Mini as it became more popularly known, will remember how spartan it was. No heater. Sliding windows as standard. A simple pull cord to open the door.
Roll back another 30 years and the original Austin 7 was yet more bare. How about optional electricity and headlamps that actually had to be lit by hand? Seriously.
It may share a name with those historical progenitors, but the new MINI 7 is a long way from spartan. How does split zone climate control grab you? And a special 'Malt Brown' finish for the part-leather seats? Or a 6.5-inch infotainment screen and option packs that include LED headlights and a Harmon-Kardon stereo?
On the outside, there's a gorgeous new blue paint choice - Lapisluxury Blue - and that's set off with silver finish for the roof, mirror caps and more, as well as 17-inch alloys. You can also choose from Pepper White, British Racing Green and Midnight Black for the body colour.
The MINI 7 will get a public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and prices start from £18,545 on-the-road for the three-door and from £19,145 for five-door 7.
Matt Robinson - 11 May 2016