The Seven is the latest special edition Mini

Mini has developed a bit of a reputation over the years for releasing special editions, although it's actually managed to leave the third-generation hatchback alone since its launch two years ago.

Until today, that is. Named after the first ever Mini – the 1959 Austin Seven – the new Mini Seven is the British carmaker’s first attempt at freshening up its mk3 supermini.

Most striking is the paint job – something Mini calls ‘Lapisluxury Blue’ – which the designers say is “the most intensive” ever applied to one of their cars. If blue isn’t your thing, ‘Pepper White’, ‘Midnight Black’ and ‘British Racing Green’ are your other options, with a choice of stripes also available.

Prices start at £18,545 for the 3-door version while the 5-door costs £19,145, both of which are offered in Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D and Cooper SD trims. So anything from 134 to 189bhp.

That means a price rise of nearly £3,000, but for that you get lots of nice things: special 17in alloys, half-leather trim, Bluetooth and the sportier gauges which result from Mini's ‘Excitement Pack’ all included. There are also special edition badges and kick plates aplenty.

We imagine it's the first in a long-line of mk3 specials. Reckon it's an appealing debut effort?