BMW is adding the finishing touches to its next Mini, which will début at the Paris Motor Show later this year. Mini enthusiasts should be pleased to learn that the newcomer’s styling appears to closely resemble that of the popular current version.
BMW is adding the finishing touches to its next Mini, which will début at the Paris Motor Show later this year. Mini enthusiasts should be pleased to learn that the newcomer’s styling appears to closely resemble that of the popular current version.
Taking its cue from Porsche’s evolutionary approach to the design of the iconic 911 series, BMW AG said it would “follow the Zuffenhausen-based manufacturer’s example” and ensure that the next generation Mini remains true to its current concept.
Not much will change from the model currently seen on our roads, but modifications to the car’s mechanical configuration will be extensive, a source said. The new model was expected to be about 80 mm longer than its predecessor, primarily to comply with stricter regulations governing pedestrian safety.
As these pictures illustrate, the new Mini’s styling adapts the successful look of the current car, but the newcomer’s front and rear ends are adorned with larger head- and taillight clusters.
“The Mini look will not become stale,” Mini’s vice president of brand management, Kay Segler, recently said. “If someone would say that a 911 should be totally different because (its styling theme) has been around for many years, the customers would say, ‘No, that is still fresh and has become part of the car’s character’.
“Some brands and some products need to do things differently,” Segler was quoted as saying. “The original Mini design theme was dead right.”
However, Segler said the Mini’s interior might see major changes as the vehicle gradually evolves: “You could be more adventurous when it comes to the interior”.
The next-generation Mini will have a roomier interior and the quality of the materials and fabrics are said to be more upmarket. The current facia design reportedly won’t change much, either.
A range of new, state-of-the-art engines will also be débuted in the Mini range and a variety of direct injection four-valve petrol units have been scheduled for introduction. The most notable addition is the culmination of a BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroën co-development – a new supercharged 1,6-litre petrol that reportedly produces 110 kW and 240 N.m of peak torque.
Also in the pipeline is a Mini Traveller estate (which was previewed in concept form at last year’s Frankfurt show). The stretched Mini concept was inspired by the Mini Traveller model of yore, and offered a glimpse of what form a station wagon-style variant of the next generation Mini could take.
In production form, the Mini “estate” will address some of the current car’s most regular criticisms – its lack of rear passenger and boot space. Just like the original Traveller, and the Frankfurt concept, the new car will also feature side-hinged doors. Smaller “suicide” rear doors (á là Mazda RX8) will also be offered.
The next-generation Mini should go on sale early in 2007.
