It's only natural for the BMW Group to look for ways to expand the MINI range into new territories and increase the brand's profitability. And while some may question MINI's recent move with the Crossman crossover, a smaller model than the current three-door hatch makes a lot of sense for a brand that has become known for its city cars. Apparently, MINI thinks so too.
Autoweek reported today that the company is working on a such a smaller, entry-level model, called the "Mini Minor" or "Mini Mini" and it could be revealed in concept form as early as next year's Geneva Salon.
"The idea to create a highly compact Mini model is one that has been on the agenda for quite a while," an unnamed inside source told Autoweek. "On the outside it would appear a natural fit for the brand, but profitability is a major concern at this end of the market. It's one thing making a good-looking small car, but it's another thing making money on it."
That might explain the fact that while the new small Mini has been conceived as part of BMW's project "i" mobility initiative that will also spawn the advanced BMW-badged Mega City Vehicle, it will reportedly make use of shortened version of the three-door MINI's platform.
The new MINI, which will be evidently shorter than the 3,723mm-long hatch, is believed to be developed as either a two- or three-seater model, the latter featuring a similar layout to the Toyota iQ.
This isn't the first time that MINI has toyed around with the idea of a smaller city car as the company introduced a pair of concept models called the Spiritual and Spiritual2 that you see pictured here, back in 1994,. The Spiritual2 measured just 3.1 meters in length.
Source: Autoweek
10 Comments:
If that is put into production I will slit my wrists.
^^ guess ya gonna need a doctor then :)
Don't worry, those images are from over a decade ago. MG Rover's original proposal for the new Mini before BMW took the over!
Isetta?
What's wrong with you ppl? A Mini just grew in size after BMW took over. This is the best idea Mini had to date. If the keep the fun character with nimble handling, it will be a success. I guess ppl in the States don't like small cars but here in Europe, it's the most popular.
As X-zibit would say: "Ya Dawg, I heard you like to drive minis, so we put a mini in your mini, so you can drive when you drive y'all"
in the US, this would only be legal on golf courses.
Very nice design. It might be great in Europe, but definately not in USA due to small size.
You 're wrong! Just learn Americans that it is good and green to drive 'better cars'.
fiat 500 much?
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