THE new version of the Mini has already been dubbed a “world beater” by a cabinet minister following its global launch in Oxford.

Bosses at parent company BMW were on hand at the Cowley plant as the third generation of the car made its debut in front of hundreds of journalists and guests – including Dominic Sandbrook – on the 107th birthday of original Mini designer Sir AlecIssigonis.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who attended the launch, said: “The new Mini will, I have no doubt, be in huge demand and go on to be a world beater.”

The new version of the car comes as a result of a £500m investment by BMW at the plant, with bosses keen to stress how it ensures a stable future for its 4,000 workers.

Production will start this week and it will go on sale in the spring of next year.

  • The new 2013 Mini

BMW production director Haral Krueger said: “Since 2001, the Oxford plant has made an enormous contribution. One in six cars produced by BMW today is a Mini.

“Mini holds a special place in many people’s hearts across the globe.”

Mr Kruger added that virtually every part of the plant had been upgraded for the launch of the car, with a new body assembly area featuring more than 1,000 robots – double the number used for the outgoing model – while £1m has been invested in a training facility for apprentices.

He said: “Sir Alec Issigonis could never have dreamed that this car would become such an icon for the world.

“I am very proud to be starting a new chapter in this car’s history.”

While bosses say the car is instantly recognisable as a Mini, it has been completely re-designed with new engines and a new interior.

Oxford East MP and Mini owner Andrew Smith said: “This car is something we can be proud of and its success does not surprise me.

“With this re-design, they are carrying that success forward for decades to come.”

  • The Celebrity launch of the Mini in London

The Sheriff of Oxford, Mohammed Abbasi, owned an original Mini in 1966.

“I live in the Cowley area and a lot of local people work at the plant,” he said. “We are very proud of it.”