Tokyo Motor Show - Mini

What’s new?
Mini showed off the Concept Tokyo – a repainted and accessorised version of the experimental estate car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this autumn.

It’s a modern interpretation of the classic Mini Traveller, tuned for Japanese tastes.

What’s special about it?
The concept Mini was bursting with details to delight Brit culture-loving Japanese buyers.

A special roof storage system houses a picnic table and chairs for impromptu parties, while the side window doubles up as a table for serving tea and scones inside. Very quaint.

Will it be built?
An estate version of the next Mini is expected. The current Mini hatchback will be replaced next year, but estate versions will be launched a little later.

Expect the unusual twin, side-hinged tailgate doors to feature on the new model – and the front end gives a taste of the new Mini to come, too.

Will the new Mini be very different?
Surely not. The Mini has been a huge success story for parent company BMW and sales have risen by 11% this year, despite being nearly five years old.

So instead of a radical overhaul, expect a subtle update, with fresh front-end styling, new engines and the addition of further models like an estate to broaden its appeal.

Anything else?
Mini also showed off its three new special-edition models in Tokyo: the Seven, Park Lane and Checkmate are based on the One, Cooper and Cooper S respectively.

Each packs in more extra equipment and cosmetic flourishes, but at higher prices.