A new-look MINI Rocketman that Austin Powers would be proud of..

Forget the Shaguar – that’s so last century. MINI’s are cool again, but only one could star in an Austin Powers movie and wear the famous “GR8SHAG” number plate – the MINI Rocketman. Yeah Baby!

So it’s perhaps a shame that MINI has chosen to align the latest Rocketman Concept with the London 2012 Games.

First revealed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Rocketman is a The 3+1-seater, with three doors and an exterior length of just over three metres. Its spaceframe is made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, while seat surfaces blend blue nubuck leather with an innovative textile fibre.

This new edition of the concept car is resplendent in the red, white and blue colours of the Union Jack as a tribute to the London Olympics but it also seems appropriate in Her Majesty’s 60th Jubilee year.

The body’s non-metallic paintwork is interspersed with exposed carbon components at the front end and around the doors. And the 18-inch light-alloy wheels have white polished areas and a metallic red accent. Matt Porcelain White paintwork is also used for the mirror caps, boot opener and surrounds for the radiator grille and headlights.

The grille structure – made up of MINI logos – could certainly be described as an “eye magnet” (if not quite a “babe magnet”), while another special feature is the distinctive lighting design for the roof. The Rocketman concept has a full-surface glass roof, whose illuminated braces recreate the look of Britain’s Union Jack flag. Even when the roof is not illuminated, the braces – running horizontally, lengthways and diagonally – continue to shine in bright Porcelain White.

In darkness, the integrated optical fibres provide indirect illumination of the interior and a compelling night design visible from the outside. Very Brit-chic..

Inside, the riot of colours takes hold, employing the full palette of red trim, white leather and dark blue nubuck leather together with exposed carbon fibre highlights.

MINI’s designers have paid attention to the smallest details – The stowage compartment on the centre console between the driver and front passenger symbolises a basketball court with miniature players, while the key fob for the new concept car comes in the form of a rocket, decked out in British national colours.

The MINI Rocketman Concept cuts a quintessentially British figure and will be on show to welcome the athletes taking part in the games this summer.