New Mini is brand's 'most powerful' ever car

BMW has released an updated version of its Oxford-made car which it claims is its most powerful model yet.

The new John Cooper Works Clubman and John Cooper Works Countryman can accelerate from zero to 62 miles per hour in 4.9 and 5.1 seconds respectively - more than a second faster than each of the previous models.

For the first time for a Mini, both are electronically limited to 155mph.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, a 6.5-inch infotainment system, park assist, a rear-view camera and heated seats.

The new designs, which will be available to order from July, come after the Cowley factory re-opened following a shut-down which spanned the whole of April.

This annual maintenance period was switched this year in an attempt to avoid potential Brexit delays on the borders before the date of the UK's withdrawal from the EU was postponed due to a lack of agreement among MPs.

Celebrations are also ongoing for the car's 60th anniversary with more events planned throughout the summer.

Mini's most anticipated new car of the year is still to come when the first ever electric version goes into production.

The clubman will be priced from £34,250 and the countryman will cost upwards of £35,550.