MINI has unveiled its new Hatch, the car which has defined a segment since 2001, which goes on sale in spring priced from £15,300 on the road.

Even though the new MINI is instantly recognisable – something which comes from having such a globally identifiable design – the car is completely new from the ground up. Every component has been back to the drawing board in an effort to optimise its function, performance and style.

The result is 'The New Original', a MINI which is distinctly familiar but enhanced in every single way. It features significant improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power delivery, driving dynamics, quality and personalisation. Inside, the new MINI Hatch is quieter than the outgoing model with improved acoustic refinement.

Inside the cabin, new technology ensures that the new MINI is the most connected car in its segment. A new LED display concept, the first of its kind, provides the driver with visual feedback while operating the car and creates a premium ambience.

It is the first car in its segment to offer optional LED headlamps which are surrounded by an LED daylight driving ring. The rear light clusters also feature an all-LED design.

Five new exterior colours have been added, while the roof and exterior mirror caps can be finished in a contrasting colour – black or white – as a no-cost option. Roof rails are available for the first time.

The new MINI is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller, and the wheels have been pushed out even further to the corners, which helps make it more spacious. And that means more room for up to four occupants and their luggage, including enhanced shoulder space and larger footwells. The front seats have been given a wider adjustment range. The rear bench seat back can be split 60/40 and, for greater practicality, the optional storage package includes a luggage compartment floor which can be locked into place at various points and the rear seat backrest features tilt-angle adjustment. Boot volume has been increased by more than 30% to 211 litres.

At the heart of the design changes is a new display and operating concept, illustrated by the instrument cluster on the steering column. Speed, revs and fuel level are displayed on vertically arranged circular dials. The speedometer scale includes a colour panel for messages and vehicle status displays. The iconic central instrument now has extended functionality.

Three new engines feature TwinPower Turbo Technology to increase driving fun and improve environmental efficiency. All offer improved performance with maximum power lower down the rev range, while fuel consumption and emission levels have been reduced by as much as 27%. All meet the stringent EU6 exhaust emissions criteria.

The new MINI Cooper Hatch has a 134bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, Cooper S a 189bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and Cooper D a 114bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel with 80.7mpg combined. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic transmission is an option on each engine.

The suspension has been revised to intensify the handling responses with variable damper control, with comfort and sport settings, a new option.

The new MINI Cooper Hatch starts at £15,300 on the road, the Cooper D Hatch from £16,450 and the Cooper S Hatch from £18,650.