Mini Cooper 2014 News

Pricing confirmed for 5-door Mini Cooper, starting from just $27,750.Mini has confirmed pricing for the 5-door version of the Cooper hatchback, with all models priced just $1100 more than their respective three-door models.The five-door Cooper will be available in same three trim levels as the existing three-door, starting with the $27,750 entry-level Cooper before moving on to the mid-spec $32,900 Cooper D turbodiesel and the hot $38,050 Cooper S.Mini have lengthened the wheelbase on accountof the extra doors, giving the five-door an extra 72mm over the three-door for a total of 2567mm. The five-door is also 11mm taller than the three-door.The longer dimensions have also boosted the luggage space. The 278L capacity is 67L more than the three-door.Five-door Cooper drivetrains mirror the existing three-door lineup, starting with the Cooper’s 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The Cooper S ups the displacement to 2.0-litres, the power to 141kW and the torque to 280Nm.Combined fuel consumption for the Cooper is rated at 4.9L/100km with the standard six speed manual, and 5.0L/100km with the optional six-speed auto.The sportier S is rated at 6.0L/100km for the manual, and 5.5L/100km for the auto.The efficiency-leading Cooper D comes with a 85kW/270Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel, and consumption of 3.8L/100km in manual and 3.9L/100km with the auto.Feature-wise, the five-door Mini Cooper comes with 15-inch alloys, air-con, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, automatic wipers and lights, LED interior lights, rear fog lights as well as an audio system that has USB, auxiliary and Bluetooth connectivity.The mid-spec Cooper D replaces the air-con with dual-zone climate control and the audio system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen Radio Mini multimedia system. It's controlled via Mini's version of the BMW iDrive interface. There are also front arm rests, fog lights on the front and the alloy wheels are 16-inches.The top-spec Cooper S adds leather/cloth trim, front sports seats and satnav.The five-door Mini Cooper goes on sale in Australia from November 1.

Mini has announced pricing and details of the new Mini One entry-level hatch.The most affordable Mini, the One replaces the previous entry-level variant, the Mini Ray. The One delivers more power, greater economy, more sophistication and a higher level of specification at a lower price.Priced from $24,500, the Mini One comes standard with Bluetooth and USB interface, automatic start/stop with keyless go, servotronic power steering, Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock as well as colour line in carbon black.It has the same technical and quality advancements in the rest of the new generation Mini hatch range, and when compared to the previous entry level model, offers buyers greater performance, improved comfort and more value for money.Mini One is powered by a 1.2 litre version of the three-cylinder engine currently found in the new Cooper hatch and delivers 75kW and 180Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is 4.9 L/100km (automatic is 5.0).

You’d be hard pressed to notice but they’ve done a complete update on the Mini hatch, redesigning the body and installing new powertrains and interiors. Mini says the new hatch is more sophisticated, more functional, more powerful and slightly larger than the second generation it replaces. Yep, this is Gen III.Occupant comfort is improved with increased interior space, a higher level of functionality with updated features and a more refined driving experience. Passengers will instantly feel the difference inside in shoulder room gains and foot space, a roomier rear-seat arrangement and luggage space is also increased.PRICESThey’ve cut the price with new Mini Cooper pitched at $26,650, down $5,000, Cooper D is down $3,000 to $31,800 and the range topping Cooper S is now priced at $36,950, a reduction of $3,750.The new model has grown in every direction, with increased dimensions for the chassis, body and interior space. The new platform allows for an increased, track length, width and height.STYLINGNot much can be said about the exterior styling except that it has that defining Mini look albeit with detail differences between the latest and previous models. Park them side by side and it’s obvious, on the road – not so much. It’s still a brick on wheels.They differentiate the various models but once again, you’d be hard pressed to notice…though the Cooper S has a much more aggressive look to its flanks, bigger wheels more body add-ons and centre tail pipes.ENGINESThere are three pot petrol engines (diesel and petrol) in the line-up this time around. Both three and four-cylinder engines in the line-up feature TwinPower turbo technology with the petrol models scoring turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS in BMW speak).The petrol engines also feature fully variable valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC, as patented by the BMW Group. The turbo diesel has variable turbine geometry along with higher pressure fuel injection.All have improved engine and driving performance figures while their fuel consumption and emission levels have been reduced. The Mini Cooper’s three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine Is good for 100kW/220 Nm, the latter at 1,250rpm with 230Nm on over boost. It uses as little as 4.7 l/100 km. The Cooper D also has a three pot 1.5-litre engine with 85 kW/270Nm at 1,750 rpm and fuel consumption of an astonishing 3.7 l/100 km.  The Mini Cooper S is a four pot 2.0-litre turbo with 141kW/280Nm (300 on over boost) and 5.9l/100km.All engines are hooked up to a new six-speed manual transmission with a six speed auto available. Automatic start/stop with the automatic transmission is fitted for the first time.DYNAMICSThe chassis and suspension systems underwent a full scale revision with the results all aimed at intensifying the experience of the agile Mini handling properties. It brought new materials with increased use of aluminium and targeted use of high strength steels to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Further development was also carried out in the area of geometry such as increased track width for both front and rear axles with the result being improved axle kinematics.Changes were also made to the electromechanical power steering which includes torque steer compensation to prevent self-steering tendencies. The steering has been optimised for increased precision in spirited driving situations and standard features include the speed-related steering assistance system, Servotronic.INSIDEThe interior has a familiar, funky Mini ambience, although with more sophistication and functionality. A new display and operating console combines the typical brand-style look and feel of the cockpit with improved functionality. Road speed and engine speed, along with other key driving-related information, is shown in the newly designed instrument cluster directly in front of the driver on the steering column.The characteristic central instrument display now includes either a four-line TFT display, a 6.5 inch or 8.8 inch colour display depending on model and options fitted. In each case, the display provides feedback on vehicle functions, infotainment and communication as well as navigation maps and route directions in the case of the larger displays.

The new family of engines will give 15 Toyota and Daihatsu models an efficiency gain of up to 30%, including Toyota's new Yaris due in 2015.The Yaris will be battling for top spot in light car sales with the upcoming Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta, which will have similar efficiency gains from its skyactiv and EcoBoost technology respectively. The new engines could also help the rumoured upcoming Toyota Rush become the one of the most efficient SUVs in Australia.The 1.3-litre and 1.0-litre power plants have been co-developed with Toyota's small car brand, Daihatsu. Both units take advantage of an Atkinson cycle, which increases the compression ratio and reduces waste heat to operate more efficiently. However, the Atkinson cycle produces less power than ordinary engines, which has limited its use mainly to Hybrid cars until now.But Toyota has packed both engines with technology to help retain maximum power while optimising economy. A range of new developments will help the engines breathe better, achieving optimal efficiency. For example, the 1.3-litre will have a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a redesigned intake port and electronically controlled variable valve timing (VVT-iE).Both engines are designed to be compatible with stop-start technology, which cuts out the engine in traffic to save fuel. This system is currently limited in small cars to premium offerings, such as the Mini Cooper or the Volvo C30. However, Toyota and Daihatsu could be utilising this feature in the most basic entry level cars.Both engines will commence production in coming weeks, but we may only get the larger 1.3-litre engine in Australia initially. However the efficiency gains in the 1.0-litre engine could increase the incentive for Toyota to offer a cheap entry level car sourced from Daihatsu, to rival the Suzuki Alto, Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Mirage. 

Mini has announced new details of its new Mini Cooper hatch lineup, ahead of its local debut this month. Arriving in UK showrooms this week, the all-new Mini Cooper hatch is the third-generation under BMW's stewardship, and the largest Mini Cooper model to date. Growing by 98mm in length, 44mm in width and 7mm in height, the new Mini also rides on a 28mm longer wheelbase to offer the most spacious Mini hatch cabin to date. Continuing with seating for four, the extra cabin space has improved shoulder room, foot space, rear-seat access, and larger front seats have a greater adjustment range. Cargo space has also improved by more than 30 per cent to 211-litres. The new hatch may be bigger than ever, but it's still at least 60mm shorter than a Mazda 2 or Toyota Yaris.The interior design is an evolution of the trademark modern mini circular theme, but with a new LED central display of up to 8.8 inches (depending on spec) and the window controls have been relocated from the centre of the car to the door trims as with the Countryman and Paceman models.The new model brings the availability of LED headlights for main and high beams, along with LED daytime running lights forming a ring around the trademark circular lights. The taillights across all variants are also full LED designs, and the brand's trademark body and roof colour personalisation options continue.The 2014 Mini introduces new modular turbocharged three and four cylinder petrol and diesel engines. UK models include two versions of each of the three cylinder units, kicking off with the price-leading Mini One with either 75kW/180Nm 1.2-litre petrol or 70kW/220Nm 1.5-litre diesel units. The mid-spec Mini Cooper is available with either a 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre petrol or 85kW/270Nm diesel, and the hot Cooper S scores a 141kW/280Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.All promise improved efficiency, performance and driveability, and are available with new six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. When equipped with satellite navigation, automatic variants are able to integrate with the mapped terrain to choose the most efficient ratios ratios.The new Cooper's chassis has also been heavily revised, with a new single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear to maintain the brand's renowned handling dynamics. Dual-mode adaptive dampers are also available for the first time.Australian spec and pricing is yet to be confirmed, but all will be revealed with the model's local arrival in the coming weeks.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_FlynnWatch the 2014 Mini Cooper and Cooper S video on our desktop site. 

...with a five-door Cooper included in the mix. Carparazzi caught it in winter tests and says it's not the new Countryman, but a car that's closer to the basic three-door hatch with some added practicality from a longer wheelbase.This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSMini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family. The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)Lexus CT 200h: Lexus will complete the spindle grill-ification of its Australian lineup when it launches the mid-cycle refresh of the CT 200h hybrid hatch before July. Along with the stylistic alignment with the rest of the range, the new CT will feature revised suspension tuning and interior trim, with the possibility of sharpened pricing in the pursuit of sales volume. (Approximately $40,000-$58,000)Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Subaru Impreza WRX: Underwhelming or otherwise, Subaru’s new WRX performance sedan is due in late March, ahead of a hotter-again STI version by mid-year. (Approximately $40,000)Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance: The upgraded Golf GTI Performance pack will complete the GTI lineup during 2014, with an extra 7kW, bigger brakes, tricky diff, plus xenon headlights, LED taillights, 19 inch wheels, and alcantara added to the tartan cloth interior trim. (Approximately $47,990)Volkswagen Golf R: The all-wheel drive Golf R performance flagship is also expected in 2014, with 206kW and 380Nm promising performance to trump all before it. (Approximately $50,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. Approximately 37,000-56,000Infiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Skoda Octavia RS: The Czech brand will launch the hot Octavia RS in the second quarter, with the petrol version matching the new Volkswagen Golf GTI mechanically, and the diesel version is expected to continue with the same spec as the Golf GTD available overseas. (Approximately from $40,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)PEOPLE MOVERSHonda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDBMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will also score similar SYNC-inclusive revisions at around the same time, ahead of the same 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Isuzu MU-X: Isuzu will introduce the seven-seat MU-X in January, with the company’s first SUV sharing much of its design with the D-Max ute and Holden Colorado and Colorado 7 models. The MU-X will be equipped with the same 3.0-litre diesel engine as the D-Max, and offer family 4WD toughness for a lot less than Toyota’s Prado. (Approximately $40,500-$53,500)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Mercedes-Benz GLA: Mercedes will bring the new A-Class-based GLA SUV to our shores in May, with the all-new model taking the fight to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the premium compact SUV segment. Priced from about $45,000, the GLA will be available in front or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and engines from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre GLA200 and 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre GLA250 petrols, and 100kW/300Nm 2.2-litre GLA200 CDI and 125kW/350Nm 2.2-litre GLA220 CDI turbodiesel options. (Approximately from $45,000)Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Mitsubishi will introduce its first hybrid model in April, in the form of the plug-in hybrid Outlander SUV. Priced from about $50,000, the Outlander PHEV promises Holden Volt-rivalling efficiency for about $10,000 less, and wrapped within a more practical SUV body. (Approximately from $50,000)Nissan Pathfinder hybrid: Nissan will complete its new Pathfinder SUV lineup in the second quarter, with the addition of a new petrol-electric hybrid variant to help silence the naysayers lamenting the lack of a diesel option in the new model. The 187kW/329Nm hybrid drivetrain uses a 15kW electric motor paired with a supercharged 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine, resulting in a claimed 25 per cent fuel efficiency gain. (Approximately $55,000-$60,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Skoda Octavia Scout: The Octavia RS will be followed by the jacked-up Scout AWD variant in about mid-year. (Approximately $40,000-$45,000)Toyota Kluger: Toyota will introduce the third-generation of its Kluger large SUV in the first quarter, with the all-new larger model promising improved seating for seven and fresh styling, but its continued reliance on a petrol V6 might threaten its sales success next to the diesel and hybrid options offered by most rivals. (Approximately $40,000-$60,000)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000) 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSAlfa-Romeo MiTo: The Mini Cooper-rivalling MiTo hatch is due for a refresh in January. Tweaked styling is expected, along with updated features and sharpened pricing in line with other recent Fiat Chrysler Australia pricetag shuffles. (Approximately 25,000-30,000)Honda City and Jazz: Honda’s slow-selling City compact sedan is due to be replaced by an all-new model in the second quarter of 2014, leading the also-new third-generation Jazz compact hatch which is expected in around June. The new Jazz will benefit from a new dual-clutch auto transmission, and a new hybrid variant is expected to dip well below the current petrol-electric model’s 4.5L/100km combined figure. (Approximately $16,000-23,000)Kia Rio: Also due for a refresh in the third quarter is the Kia Rio light hatch and sedan range, with the stylish model likely to score visual tweaks and value gains to keep up with more recent competition. (Approximately $15,000-22,000)Mini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)Volkswagen Polo: Volkswagen’s Polo light hatch range is also due for a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of the year, with revised styling, plus efficiency and technology trickle-down from the Mk7 Golf likely. Approximately $17,000-29,000)SMALL CARSAlfa Romeo Giulietta: Following on from its pricing shuffle in 2013, the small Giulietta hatch range also due for a mid-cycle refresh later in 2014. Approximately 24,000-40,000)Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai will revise its Elantra sedan in January, with freshened styling and a new local suspension tune expected to be the main changes. (Approximately $20,990-$30,190)Kia Pro_cee'd GT: Kia will bring the Pro_cee’d GT down under in March, with the new hot hatch set to go head to head with its mechanical sibling the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. (Approximately $30,000)Kia Soul: Also expected in March is a heavily revised version of the trendy Soul small hatch, with rejigged styling, upgraded underpinnings and petrol and diesel drivetrains. (Approximately $21,000-$30,000)Mazda3: Mazda will renew its assault on the Australian sales charts in January, with the arrival of the new third-generation 3 sedan and hatch models. The new 3 will be available with 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of Mazda’s SkyActiv petrol engine from launch, with diesel versions set to follow later. (Approximately $20,000-35,000)Nissan Pulsar SSS sedan: In the third quarter, Nissan will break with Pulsar SSS tradition by adding a sedan version of the hot turbocharged model, with Mazda’s SP25 sedan its only logical rival. (Approximately $31,000)Peugeot 308: Peugeot’s headline act for 2014 will be the new 308 small hatch, with the lighter and more efficient model arriving before the end of the year to target Volkswagen’s Golf head-on. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Proton Suprima S: Proton will launch the Preve sedan-based Suprima S small hatch in January, in $21,790 (drive away) GX and $26,590 (drive away) GXR spec levels. Available with a CVT auto initially, both versions will use a 103kW/250Nm 1.6 litre petrol turbo. Cheaper $19,790 (GX) and $24,590 (GXR) six –speed manual versions will arrive later in the year. (Approximately $19,790-$24,590)Proton Preve: In the second quarter, ther Malaysian brand will add a five-speed manual version of the Preve GXR sedan, which is expected to undercut the existing CVT auto version by $2000 with a $20,990 drive away pricetag. A more upmarket Preve LE is expected at around the same time, and likely to be priced around the $25,000 mark.Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Skoda will introduce the much anticipated Rapid Spaceback in the second quarter, with the new hatch to sit beneath the recently launched Octavia Liftback and wagon. (Approximately from $20,000)Toyota Corolla sedan: Toyota’s grasp on the Australian market is set to be strengthened by the arrival of a sedan version of the new Corolla in February. Both European and US versions of the new sedan have been unveiled, and the Australian model will most closely resemble the European model. (Approximately $20,000-$32,000)Volkswagen Golf wagon: Volkswagen will add a wagon bodystyle to its Mk7 Golf lineup early in 2014, mirroring the hatch with its range of petrol and diesel engines. (Approximately $27,000-37,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. (Approximately 37,000-56,000)Kia Optima: Kia’s Optima will score a mid-cycle update in January, with revised styling inside and out, along with added features. (Approximately $30,990-$40,490)PEOPLE MOVERSCitroen C4 Grand Picasso: Citroen will replace the long-serving C4 Grand Picasso with an all-new version in the second quarter of 2014. The new model promises to continue as a stylish alternative to other seven-seat people movers with a choice of petrol or diesel drivetrains and will hopefully retain the current model’s sub-$40,000 pricing. (Approximately $37,000-$40,000)Honda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDFord EcoSport: The Blue Oval’s new EcoSport baby will complete its lineup in February, with the cheaper Trend and Ambiente spec levels joining the top-line Titanium that launched the model in December. (Approximately $20,790-27,790)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Jeep Cherokee: Jeep’s new more-civilised Cherokee SUV will arrive in the first half of 2014, with a choice of 2.4-litre petrol, 3.2-litre petrol V6, or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. (Approximately $28,000-$37,000)Kia Sportage: During the second quarter, Kia will grace its Sportage medium SUV with a more significant update than the minor revisions made in mid-2013 with the shift to European production. Like Optima, expect fresh interior and exterior styling and new features. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Nissan Qashqai: Nissan’s other significant SUV arrival for 2014 will be the Dualis-replacing Qashqai compact SUV, which will arrive in five-seat only guise in the third quarter. (Approximately $26,000-$36,000)Renault Captur: The Renault Captur will arrive mid-year, representing the French brand in the rapidly expanding compact SUV segement. The Clio-based crossover should start in the low $20,000s, and challenge the Trax, Juke, 2008, and EcoSport. (Approximately from $20,000)Skoda Yeti: Skoda’s best-selling Yeti compact SUV is also in line for a mid-cycle refresh in around June, with revised styling and features to bring it in line with the brand’s newer models. (Approximately $26,000-$38,000)Suzuki S-Cross: Suzuki’s SX4-replacing S-Cross will arrive in January, with reduced fuel consumption an increased interior space over the model it supercedes. Like the SX4, the S-Cross will continue with 2WD and AWD options, and will be priced between $22,990 and $34,990.COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000)Renault Kangoo Maxi crew van: A passenger-carrying Kangoo Maxi crew van is also expected in the second quarter. (Approximately $27,000)

The concept headed for the January debut points to the new larger Mini Cooper JCW arriving in the middle of 2014, and it will likely shed little of the show car's wardrobe on the way to the production line -- except perhaps the hand-finished surface of the grey and red livery.Features likely to survive are the larger air intakes in the front fascia to punt breeze into the engine bay, the JCW black-bevel grille and full LED headlights.Mini says the longer wheelbase and wider track of the new car have boosted the car's handling abilities, further helped by an aerodynamic bodykit with side skirts and rear apron with flaps and diffuser, sports exhaust and twin chromed tailpipes. The show car also gets a roof spoiler and a dimple behind the front wheelarch to channel air around the C-pillar.With the aerodynamics working in concert with weight savings and a tweaked suspension, Mini says the JCW offers 'hardcore driving fun'.While the new standard Mini will offer turbo three-cylinder engines, the JCW will continue with a four-cylinder, and although details are yet to be released it will logically have higher outputs than the Cooper S turbocharged 2.0-litre four's 141kW of power between 4700-6000rpm and 300Nm of torque at 1250rpm.  

Mini has just unveiled the new third-generation at the Los Angeles motor show, but only in one variation: the three-door hatch. However, other models are on the way, and our latest spy shots show the Cooper Convertible, snapped while being transported for testing.It's likely to follow very shortly after the on-sale timing of the hardtop -- March next year for overseas markets, and arriving here not long afterwards.Like the Cooper hatch, there's no reason to expect any startling departures from the Mini recipe, which means the convertible will carry on with a powered folding soft top. However there will be changes to the interior, echoing those of the hatch: the speedo and tacho have been ditched from the massive 8.8-inch circular gauge in the middle of the dash and moved to a more conventional position in the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel (with heads-up displays for upper spec variants).The plate-sized feature still dominates the centre of the dash, but now contains just audio and airconditioning controls and an optional reversing camera and satnav. There'll also be extra safety kit on offer with a parking assistant, and collision and pedestrian avoidance systems.Based on the new UKL platform we'll eventually also see underpinning some BMWs, the convertible will echo the hatch in offering more space, having grown grown in length, width and wheelbase. Mini says that translates to more cabin room and an additional 51 litres of cargo capacity.Drvetrains should similarly echo the hatch, with the entry level droptop powered by a turbo 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with outputs of 100kW of power between 4500-600rpm and 220Nm of torque at a low 1250rpm. The Cooper S convertible will carry a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, developing 141kW of power between 4700-6000rpm and 300Nm of torque at 1250rpm. Transmissions for all variants are a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed auto.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott