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All models will have new clear glass headlamps with a brighter beam, and there are improvements too for the optional xenon headlamps. Exterior colours have been shuffled around so that there are ten for each model in the catalogue. Astro Black metallic comes in to replace Cosmos Black, and the sultry-sounding Black-Eyed Purple takes the place of Indi Blue. The Electric Blue option will be extended to all models except for the Convertibles.

Inside, there are additional stowage areas and roomier door bins. All the mid-2004 cars will come with better side support for the seats, a bigger rear-view mirror, a side-mounted sun visor for the driver, better interior lighting, a repositioned clock (it will now be in the main instrument panel), and two items which will be appreciated by front-seat passengers in an enthusiastically thrown-around MINI -  easier-to-grip armrests, and a grab handle above the nearside door. The MINI One will now have a rev counter as standard.

As with the exterior paintwork, there's a wider choice of upholstery in cloth, cloth/leather and full leather. The Cooper S will offer several types of body-colour trim, although silver, anthracite, alloy patina and good old wood are options.

Although the Cooper S front end remains unchanged, the One and the Cooper will have a lower front bumper, while the rear bumper has some minor appearance changes, and the rear lamp clusters have been redesigned to include the reversing lights.

Prices for the hatchbacks will go up, for all cars produced from July 1, by about 2.5%. This means that the entry-level MINI One will cost £10,780 and its diesel equivalent £11,695. The Cooper will come in at £12,100 and the Cooper S will be listed at £15,180.

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