The good old British Mini is still hitting the high spots in Japan as the country’s love affair with the model, which goes back to the original – first built more than 50 years ago – continues.

Ian Robertson, BMW Group’s sales and marketing supremo, said: “The Mini really is enjoying great success in Japan and while some of that is down to its heritage, I think we have proved that it is more than just a cute British car. It’s a global brand that pretty well invented the small premium segment.”

Robertson was in Tokyo for the Japanese unveiling of the new coupé variant and was confident customers would love the latest member of the family just as much.

He added: “This year to the end of October we have sold 230,000 Minis worldwide, up 23%, and, over the same period, we have sold 12,000 in Japan.”