Mini 4×4 SUV (2010) bins the barn doors

Published: 10 July 2009 Updated: 26 January 2015

These spy photos confirm that the new Mini SUV, the 2010 4×4 addition to the Mini family, has a conventionally hinged tailgate. Those van-doors – à la Mini Clubman – visible on the rump of the prototypes are mere disguise and nothing more.

Our friends over at Automotive Traveler caught the Mini SUV testing in Death Valley, undergoing extreme heat trials. When the engineers stopped for a comfort break, up went the boot door and – bang – our spies got the shot. Not the most relevatory scoop ever, but an interesting snippet nonetheless.

When will we see the Mini SUV for real? Expect to see the finished 4×4 later in 2010 and the grapevine suggests there may be a further concept variant at the autumn 2009 Frankfurt motor show.

>> Should the Mini SUV have barn doors? Click ‘Add your comment’ and tell us

By Tim Pollard

Group digital editorial director, car news magnet, crafter of words

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