Secret new cars

Click Thumbnails to Enlarge

Mini SUV (2010): the proof

By Stephen Dobie

Spy shots

08 April 2008 06:36

Think the Mini 4x4 will be a Clubman in high heels? Think again. Here’s concrete evidence of the four-wheel drive system in the shape of rear driveshafts and a rear diff, caught on a prototype photographed by our man in Germany.

Transmission specialist Getrag is rumoured to be helping BMW take the Mini on its latest adventure. Yet despite the off-road hardware, we do question how many of them actually make it further than the nearest urban kerb.

A small SUV… could Mini be on to something?

Sales of 4x4s are holding up well, despite the flak being heaped upon SUVs by political and climate change activists. Could it be that smaller off-roaders like the Fiat Panda 4x4 and Mini SUV could be coming of age, as buyers scramble for lower CO2 models with their go-anywhere image intact? We’ll see.

BMW will ensure reasonable stats by sticking to the Mini’s 1.6 engines:

• Cooper, 1.6 120bhp/118lb ft
• Cooper S, 1.6 175bhp/177lb ft
• Cooper D, 1.6 110bhp/177lb ft

As is usual in the four-wheel drive market, the diesel is expected to be the biggest hit; in the regular hatch it achieves carbon dioxide emissions of just 104g/km thanks to Mini’s stop-start technology. That’s Toyota Prius-rivalling stuff, and the jacked-up Mini shouldn’t be far off.

Click 'Next' to read more about the Mini 4x4

1 2 Next>>

Rate this article...

Average rating: Rated 3 out of 5

3 (17 votes)

Discuss this

Add your comment

Mini SUV (2010): the proof

Subject

Your comment

By submitting your comment, you agree to adhere to the CAR Magazine website Terms and Conditions

Cancel

Subscribe to comments

reward badge

rigidjunkie says

RWD?

Being a Mini owner myself I really like the idea of an all wheel drive Mini, if for no other reason than the aftermarket people will find a way to produce a RWD version and that would be very cool in my book. Also BMW's reason for being is to make $$ and in America people will buy these things for sure.

09 April 2008 13:34

reward badge

Brand0 says

Stop the hate!

joedodgy - the most pointless car actually is the Bugatti Veyron, but I'd have one! PT100 - won't sell? Do you live on Mars? You couldn't be more wrong - you could try, but you'd not succeed. I've seen more Minis on new plates than any other type of car. But there will be those who don't want a MINI now becauase there are so many of them, but think about it. Think about the market. Posh small cars. SUVs. Two growing sectors. Posh small SUV - BINGO!! The Qashcow doesn't stand a chance, and THAT car is selling by the bucket load. The 'It' car is about to re-introduced. The only scare MIni has had was in the shape of the 500, but was more tense trhiller than all out horror. The ultimate motoring fashion accessory for normal people is about to become funkier and tougher and more practical whilst remaining small. Don't be bitter.

09 April 2008 12:26

reward badge

PT100 says

Bring More Worries

With cars like this and the X6, BMW will "Bring More Worries" to their Accountants, when they do not sell. Guess if nothing else, they will go down in history, to have produced some interesting or strange cars.

08 April 2008 18:58

reward badge

AReader says

Mini Mojo

It's amazing what BMW have achieved with Mini. What new roads might they explore with a 4x4? How about rallying? Mini Monte! At the very least, there is now scope for an off-road chase in a future Italian Job sequel. Talking of Italy, I'd like to see them revisit the fwd Innocenti Mini from the 70s, may'be as a mini brand within the Mini brand. (Am I right in thinking that it was a Mini chassis bodied by an Italian company?). That might give the 500 Abarth a stylistic and dynamic fright.

08 April 2008 17:35

reward badge

Vilagos says

American Names

If you need a name that works in the USA, neither Monte or Colorado will fly. "Monte Carlo" and "Colorado" are both Chevrolet trademarks. Monte is what Jeff Gordon used to drive, and Colorado is a a mid-size pick-up truck. Personally, I like "Mini Moke," but I wouldn't bet on it.

08 April 2008 17:21

Show all comments