Mini has revealed the new, all-wheel-drive vehicle that will take the brand’s famous go-kart handling onto the dirt.
The BMW-owned British marque has released official pictures and details of the Crossover concept that will debut at October’s Paris motor show before transforming into production as Mini’s baby softroader in early 2010.
The softroader is expected to be called the Mini Cross, and will be the biggest Mini yet – at 4.1m long and 1.6m high – as well as the first Mini to adopt all-wheel drive rather than front-wheel drive.
While the Crossover couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than a Mini, the softroader adopts a bolder interpretation of the brand’s retro styling – including a huge, slatted chrome grille.
An elevated ride height and black plastic wheelarch cladding provide the off-road design cues that appeal to the traditional softroader buyer.
Mini’s fourth model variant – which can be expected in Australia in the second half of 2010 – is 55mm longer and 172mm taller than the current largest Mini, the Clubman, and similarly employs asymmetrical doors.
The Crossover also has five doors, though the layout is different to the Clubman’s. The new concept features two stubby, conventionally hinged doors on the right.
On the opposite side, however, there’s a longer driver’s door (on left-hand-drive concept) ahead of a shorter, lift/sliding rear door. The latter is designed to help loading the Crossover from the side.
At the rear is a one-piece, swiveling side-hinged tailgate, which includes a frameless window that can be wound down.
Mini hasn’t confirmed yet whether its production 4WD will feature this door arrangement.
The Crossover’s 2606mm wheelbase is 61mm longer than the Clubman’s, theoretically meaning more interior space for both cargo and passengers.
The concept features four seats only, with the two individual rear seats featuring fore-aft adjustment. The production version may follow the four-seater Clubman in offering an optional rear bench for three passengers.
Inside, a circular design theme will be familiar to owners of today’s Minis, though the Crossover introduces a new information nerve centre. The Mini Centre Globe is a laser projection, 3D multi-function display that sits in the middle of the dash and incorporates the speedo, as well as audio, communication and satellite navigation.
Another notable interior element is the aluminium Mini Centre Rail, which replaces a conventional centre console and runs the entire length of the cabin.
A special fastening system allows occupants to attach items such as MP3 players and storage boxes (for sunglasses, coins, books, etc). Armrests with integrated storage boxes can be attached both front and rear.
The Crossover will be a particularly important model for Mini in the US, which next year is set to replace the UK as the brand’s biggest market.
The showroom version will also be built outside of England, because BMW’s Oxford plant has already reached its 240,000 units a year production maximum with the introduction of the Clubman.
The Mini 4WD will built by Magna Steyr in Austria, the company that builds BMW X3 mid-size softroader and will also be responsible for production of the German car maker’s baby off-roader, the X1.
BMW insiders have denied that there are any mechanical connections between the Mini Cross and BMW X1, despite the obvious opportunity for cost savings.
By Drive
