2013 MINI Cooper Spied Testing

MINI's second-generation Cooper Hatch has had its share of upgrades and tweaks since its debut in 2007, but a growing number of new models in the MINI line-up means the hatch is beginning to show its age.

Next year, the BMW-owned MINI will reveal an all-new Hatch, expected to share its platform with a number of new small Bimmers, while drawing styling inspiration from the brand's latest models and concepts.

These new spy photos, captured in Germany this week, offer a look at what we can expect from the next iteration of the iconic Mini styling.

The finer details are obscured for now, but it is clear that the next Cooper Hatch will retain its familiar look: that boxy roof, upright face and high-mounted circular headlights are all clear.

We can likely expect the new Hatch to take some inspiration from the warped headlights of the Countryman and the 2010 Paceman concept.

However, just as the new Porsche 911 has not adopted the Boxster's similarly massaged lamps, the new Cooper Hatch could retain its familiar oval eyes with styling tweaks made elsewhere.

Moving inside the cabin, these spy photos reveal that - unless MINI is engaging in some extreme new camouflage tricks - the new Cooper's interior will see the biggest changes.

Gone is the trademark centre-mounted speedometer and display, replaced with a more conventional dash design and instrument cluster that looks more than a little like the new 1 Series.

The new Cooper is expected to be powered by BMW's new three-cylinder engine range, including petrol and diesel options.

BMW has already confirmed these engines will eventually make their way into more than 1.5 million Bimmers and MINIs each year.

Watch for more details on the new Cooper over the coming months.