That is the extent of the loyalty to the Mini brand which has bucked the trend of small cars here. Mini sales have almost doubled in two years and next year, 1,200 will be sold if supply is sufficient.

The Mini is successful because young people want to be seen in one and 68% of buyers go for versions that are well kitted out with addon options.

BMW say that the reason the Mini is so well liked is that there is so much you can do with it. The marketing people say there are 372 combinations for the interior and 319 options for the exterior, many of a very trivial nature but each difference helps to create a uniqueness which is so important to the Mini owner.

In the new model, every body panel is different but in a drive-by situation it would not be difficult to confuse the new with the old.

Marketing people say this is clever thinking . . . evolution rather than revolution.

There is always the fear that being too radical will turn off the fans.

We are promised some new body styles. There is to be a Mini Traveller to start with and no doubt there will be a cabriolet in the line-up.

The new model is 60mm longer than its predecessor to fulfil future safety requirements and lights, indicators and grille have all been redesigned. There is also a more rounded look at the rear.

Inside there is more room and colour combinations and materials have been improved. The most striking feature inside is the centre Speedo which incorporates the analogue speedometer, all the entertainment details and, as an option, navigation functions. The rev counter is still perched directly behind the steering wheel.

There are new engines.

The Mini Cooper has a 1.6litre power unit which puts out 120bhp at 6000rpm and the engine torque reaches 140 Nm at 2000rpm peaking at 160 Nm at 4250rpm.

The top speed is 203 km/h with a 0-100 km sprint taking just nine seconds.

The Mini Cooper S is powered by an intercooled and turbocharged version of the same engine which produces 175bhp, can sprint from 0-100 km in seven seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h. Maximum engine power comes at 5500rpm with peak torque of 260 Nm between 1600 and 5000rpm.

The new Mini One will follow early in 2007 and will have a 1.4-litre engine developing 95bhp and there will be a turbo diesel later.

The Mini One will be priced at 21,350, the Mini Cooper costs 24,400 and the Mini Cooper S is priced at 29,650.