And with the funky twin...

And with the funky twin rear doors and a roomy four-seat cabin, onlookers had plenty to see! In profile, the new model"s dimensions look shorter than they are because of the long doors. These open on elaborate hinges, but are likely to be replaced by a barn-style door arrangement on the final production model.

Auto Express was given an exclusive chance to meet the brains behind the car. MINI design chief Gert Hildebrand revealed how he got his design approved by the board, gave us a guided tour of the car - and also let slip which tiny detail on the newcomer he loves the most. Full story tomorrow.