a527df68-8e41-4d9c-8299-fafaf256078a

Another day another awkward looking spy photo of the new MINI – this time from China. Rest assured we’re told the F56 is rather attractive and proportionally correct by those who have spent time with the car. But these spy photos (again taken are odd angles) don’t quite show it off in the best light. However one little nugget they do expose is that the Cooper S hood scoop is once again non-functional. How do we know? It’s taped shut on this test mule.

We had a good indication of this a few years ago when some at MINI were openly asking us what we thought of a Cooper S without one. The fact it’s there now would indicate it’s a styling piece meant to better differentiate the Cooper S and JCW models from the rest of the line-up.

mini-interior-1

Inside once again we see the low-end spec interior without the large infotainment screen that we’ve heard is crucial to many of the optional features on the new car. We’ve heard rumblings that the US may not even see this low-end spec.

Also seen here for the first time is the automatic lever as well as new seat fabric reminiscent of the fantastic cloth pattern optional on the Paceman.

The 2014 MINI will debut in Oxford on November 18th with a US on-sale date of late March. For a full rundown on the new MINI, check out the MotoringFile F56 FAQ.

First photo source: Bitauto