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 Paris motor show before transforming into production as Mini’s baby softroader in early 2010.
Click Here For More Mini Crossover Concept Images
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.
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.
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.
The sports seats are comfortable and the air-conditioning and radio controls are all logically laid out and easy to use.
The rest of the cabin is comfortable and has plenty of character, giving it an edge over its Japanese hot hatch rivals. Rear legroom is tight and the third door on the road side of the car still has us scratching our heads.
The price, also, is fairly steep in comparison to very competent – and much cheaper - rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and RenaultSport Megane. The option list remains long and pricey as well.
It performs better, uses less fuel, looks fantastic and is better value than the model that preceded it. If only it sounded a little more raw and sporty.
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