Mini Hatch, Convertible 2018 revealed ahead of mid-year launch

Mini whipped the covers off its facelifted three-door, five-door and convertible ranges this week, with all three models picking up revised lighting systems, refined engines and new automatic transmissions.

The most quirky and noticeable feature of the tweaked Mini models is their tail-light design which now features a Union Jack-style look in LED form. Indicators are horizontal, while the brake lights are vertical. This motif was previewed by the John Cooper Works GP Concept at last year’s Frankfurt motor show.

The front end gains restyled headlights, with the halogen units accented by a black panel, while their optional bi-LED counterparts feature LED daytime running lights and indicators that are now completely circular.

The front end gains restyled headlights, with the halogen units accented by a black panel.

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The most quirky and noticeable feature of the tweaked Mini models is their tail-light design which now features a Union Jack-style look in LED form.

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An adaptive version of the latter with high-beam assist is also available. It uses Matrix LED technology for the high beam, which has an anti-dazzle function for other road users. Specifically, four horizontal high-beam segments individually deactivate at speeds over 70km/h if another vehicle is detected in their area.

Thanks to significant powertrain revisions that included a weight reduction, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by up to five per cent.

The entry-level Ray's 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine has been replaced by a 1.5-litre unit that produces the same 75kW power output, while torque is up 10Nm to 190Nm.

The range of metallic paint colours has expanded to include 'Emerald Grey', 'Starlight Blue' and 'Solaris Orange'.

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An all-new, two-dimensional 'Mini' logo has been rolled out for the first time.

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While a six-speed manual gearbox continues to be standard fair, a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission replaces the old six-speed torque-convertor unit as the automatic option for the Ray, Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S variants.

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Power outputs for the Cooper, Cooper D, and Cooper S remain unchanged at 100kW, 85kW and 141kW respectively. Torque outputs for these variants have not been disclosed yet.

While a six-speed manual gearbox continues to be standard fair, a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission replaces the old six-speed torque-convertor unit as the automatic option for the Ray, Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S variants. A sports version of this with paddle shifters is offered on the Cooper S.

Alternatively, the 125kW Cooper SD – which is currently not sold Down Under in these body styles – upgrades to an eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission. Both automatics are represented by an all-new gear selector.

Power outputs for the Cooper, Cooper D, and Cooper S remain unchanged at 100kW, 85kW and 141kW respectively.

An all-new, two-dimensional 'Mini' logo has been rolled out for the first time, appearing on the bonnet, tailgate, steering wheel, multimedia system and remote control in all models.

The line-up of optionally available 17-inch alloy wheels has grown to include 'Roulette Spoke', 'Propeller Spoke' and 'Rail Spoke' bi-colour designs.

Similarly, the range of metallic paint colours has expanded to include 'Emerald Grey', 'Starlight Blue' and 'Solaris Orange'.

Inside, the three-spoke steering wheel has been redesigned with expanded multifunction controls.

Inside, the three-spoke steering wheel has been redesigned with expanded multifunction controls, while a 6.5-inch multimedia system is standard, with a touchscreen version available alongside the optional satellite navigation. Wireless smartphone charging also makes its debut on the options list.

Thanks to their suite of 'Mini Connected' services, the new models can access real-time traffic information and automatically update map data over a mobile data connection.

Smartphone connectivity is also enhanced via the Mini Connected App and option Apple CarPlay support.

According to Mini Australia, the new models are set to lob around the middle of this year, while their yet-to-be revealed JCW counterparts are set to follow at a later time. Local pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to launch.

Are the new Mini's Union Jack-style tail-lights cool or cheesy? Tell us what you think in the comments below.