MINI miffed at Spy Photos of 2014 MINI Hatch

MINI has released their own ‘Spy’ shot of the 2014 MINI hatch (pictured above)

The rise and rise of the internet in recent years has seen the once niche market for spy photos of unreleased cars go mainstream, and whether car makers like it or not they can be sure the moment they take their new pride and joy on the road it will be papped and online.

Most unrevealed cars go out testing covered in swirly camouflage and padded add-ons to disguise shape and form, but this week a 2014 MINI hatch was snapped with no disguise at all, and it didn’t look great. It didn’t look great because the photo was taken from such a distance it distorted perspective and made the new MINI look a very odd shape. Which hasn’t pleased MINI one bit.

So they’ve had a cogitate and decided to respond with their own version of a spy photo of the new MINI, with its (disguised) nose peeking out from under a dust sheet (above).

It’s yet another version of ‘Official’ spy shots we’re seeing more and more from car makers as they seek to provide the public with quality images of new cars in testing so papped images don’t lead to speculation about ungainly form.

MINI’s full statement regarding the MINI spy photos said:

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.

Does MINI’s reaction mean that, in the not too distant future, we can expect every car maker to release press photos of their new models – suitably camouflaged – ahead of any outings on to public roads so they can control what gets seen, and give perspective to any ‘papped’ versions that subsequently appear.

It does seem likely.

By Cars UK