BMW is set to launch a MINI revolution with surprise plans to change its best-selling little marvel.
The German motor giant will ditch the existing round single headlights of the Cooper in favour of flashier-looking twin lenses.
And its trade-mark clamshell bonnet will also be jettisoned in favour of a conventionally hinged one, according to industry reports.
Minor improvements? Possibly. But the unexpected move could leave others asking the question: "If it ain't broke...?"
After all, the existing MINI Cooper is a world-wide hit with some customers having to join a waiting list of several months to get their hands on one.
Sales in America have also hit record numbers, particularly among young motorists and some major celebrities.
I test drove the MINI Cooper S at the start of the year and the car, fitted with a 1.6-litre engine, provided a real thrill with a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds.
Last week I was given the keys to a standard model and found it as equally satisfying, if a little slower with a 0 - 62mph speed of 9.1 seconds.
With the MINI Cooper you know exactly what you are getting - a fun little car that packs a punch and which can look after itself on the mean streets of the city.
The driving position is low and sporty and the part leather seats in my model were stylish, comfortable and supportive.
The MINI Cooper is powered by a 1.6-litre engine which can produce 115bhp and features a five-speed manual gearbox which is as smooth as any BMW.
There is certainly enough power at your disposal for the city or longer motorway journeys, while the low centre of gravity means that the MINI Cooper is confidence-inspiring even when cornering.
The car also looks pretty smart.
The radiator and air-intake grille has four horizontal chrome strips while chrome inserts can also be chosen for the bumpers. Door handles, the exhaust and front and tail lamps are also made of chrome - a look which does turn a few heads.
Interior styling is clean and modern with enough retro touches to remind you of the MINI's illustrious past.
The focal point of the dashboard is a huge speedometer dial placed between the driver and passenger seat. A rev counter sits on the steering column, maintaining the sporty emphasis associated with the Cooper name.
In fact, you get a lot for your money - except for space.
Remember the old joke: How many elephants can you get in a MINI? Five - two in the back, two in the front and one in the trunk!
Well, after seeing Aston Villa beat Spurs last week I had trouble getting four grown men in the car for the return trip home, let along four huge grey tuskers.
Things were so cramped I had to push my seat right up to the steering column and drive with my knees up some where near my neck.
But of course if you want space, get another car. If you want a little classic, get a MINI Cooper.
FAST FACTS
MINI Cooper
Price: £12,100
Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd maunal gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 9.1 secs
Combined mpg: 40.9
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 166g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust; 6yrs paint