MINI goes all prima donna after getting papped

Earlier this week the all-new 2014 MINI hatchback was spotted out in the wild ahead of its public debut.

Unfortunately – for BMW’s sake – the pictures were taken with a long lens and weren’t particularly flattering to the new design.

MINI, being ever the opportunist, decided to make marketing capital of its slip-up by complaining about its new car being ‘papped’.

Do we care? Or are MINI being a little too conceited?

They promise official pictures soon, taken from more flattering angles – but I suspect they’re clutching at straws and hoping to divert attention away from those corona headlights inspired by the Rocketman concept. Take a look at their statement below and judge for yourself..

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MINI Statement

bmwgroup.com | 3rd July, 2013
Outrageous! MINI secretly photographed at private getaway.
Oxford. Aggressive and relentless papping is something British celebrities have had to learn to live with. Members of the Royal Family, as well as actors, footballers and top models are all familiar with the sensation of being caught in uncompromising situations, and now MINI is the latest victim. Absolutely unaware and without make-up, the youngest member of our family was caught by sensationalist photographers in a highly private moment. The young one was yellow and completely defenceless. We understand the worldwide interest in our family but it is not the British way to send such unfavourable pictures around the globe.

But like a good stiff-upper-lipped Brit, MINI shall not complain, although we would like to officially state that we are not flattered. The published pictures do not reflect our good looks any way. As every celebrity knows, those extra long telephoto lenses have the devastating ability to negatively distort all surfaces, lines and angles. Therefore our advice: next time come closer to the object of desire. If that doesn’t work, don’t worry, shortly you will have the opportunity to experience the MINI up close and personal, and to take pictures from all angles.
Image: BMW Group

Written By

Steve Davies

Steve is an investor, private equity advisor and former Partner at KPMG, PwC and Bain. Most importantly he's a life-long car enthusiast, mountain biker and active sports enthusiast. He designs and builds technology platforms and is the architect behind Transmission.