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I can only assume my day started rather differently to yours on the morning of the all-important three door Gen 3 MINI Hatch global premiere, at Plant Oxford on 18 November. At 7am I was interviewed by Phil Gayle, live on BBC Radio Oxford’s breakfast show, who asked my opinion of the impending launch and how important it was to MINI. And that is a very weighty question; being the best-selling MINI model, I emphasised that it was vital that MINI got it right. At the actual launch, we heard from Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG responsible for MINI, Peter Schwarzenbauer, who said that to ensure the new generation of MINI is as successful as its predecessors, they’d further improved the iconic design and beneath the skin was a brand new car. Indeed, the latest styling of the Gen 3 Hatch was certainly bold and beefier with a dynamically different rear, but my initial concerns were that this daring change of direction won’t appeal to everyone. Indeed, the first flurry of comments on Modern MINI’s Facebook page to photos of the new model taken at the launch were wholly negative. However, aside from the debatable styling, I can see why the BMW Group has decided to forge ahead with a new and longer platform for the MINI Hatch, which will no doubt crossover with future BMW models. The versatility of this longer chassis offers more legroom and boot space, as well as roomier rear seats, www.kelsey.co.uk meaning that MINI will no longer lose out when existing Hatch customers leave the marque as they decide against upsizing to a Countryman or Clubman as their family grows. The latest Gen 3 Hatch would be even more appealing to young families if MINI does launch a five-door version, as rumoured. I’m intrigued to know your views of the all-new 2014 Hatch. Would you buy one? Email me at: mm.ed@kelseypb.co.uk.