MINI has confirmed that it will build a plug-in hybrid model 'soon', as the development process has 'almost been completed'.

According to the BMW-owned company, the driver will spot little difference between the standard car and the more environmentally-friendly version. The charging socket is integrated into the side scuttle, and the cockpit is more or less unchanged, barring the power switch that glows yellow, rather than red.

On the road, MINI is promising similar driving dynamics, too. The chassis and suspension set-up is identical to that of the standard car, and the position of the hybrid components means there's a low centre of gravity.

The hybrid will provide four-wheel drive by sending electric power to the rear wheels while the engine powers the front.

MINI has not given any indication of the car's range or economy figures, but said the new hybrid would be capable of driving in pure-electric mode, while boasting a fully electric top speed of 78mph.

Sebastian Mackensen, MINI's head of brand management, said: 'With this model we want to convince MINI customers of the benefits of hybrid drive and impress everyone who already has hybrid driving experience with MINI's unique go-kart driving feel.'