We can’t say that Mini and its Bavarian stepdad (…or stepmom), the BMW Group, were happy when our spies caught a collection of new generation hatchbacks with their pants down in July while posing for a different camera, but at least the Brits tried to put a humorous spin to the situation.

Now, the yellow pants with the swirly black shapes are partially up again with Mini’s engineers continuing tests on Munich’s roads where Carscoops reader Peter from Hungary (we’ll assume he’s getting ready to watch his national team at the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Romania tonight) snagged two prototypes.

“Notice the rack on the top of the first one,” wrote Peter. “Maybe it is not too late to publish before Frankfurt.”

Well Peter, the roof rack is probably one of the accessories that will be available optionally or as standard on certain trim levels. The new hatch won’t be in Frankfurt, though, as Mini said it has chosen the 2013 Los Angeles and Tokyo motor shows in late November for the world premiere of the car, which will go on sale worldwide in the first quarter of 2014.

Thanks to Peter for the scoop shots!

PHOTO GALLERY

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