01 Dec 08 13:27
The much-anticipated Mini Crossover - as previewed by the Crossover Concept at last month's Paris Motor Show - is 'not an SUV,' says head of Mini Brand Management Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, and it will not have four-wheel-drive as standard.
In an exclusive interview with 4Car, Dr Armbrecht described this high-riding Mini as having 'a focus more on urban centres, modern trend centres', and also noted that 'it is a totally different car' to the BMW X1, despite industry speculation that the two cars will be closely-related sister models.
'The basis of the X1 is rear-wheel-drive," he said, 'and the basis of the Mini is front-wheel-drive, though both will have a 4x4 option.'
The Mini Crossover (the rumoured 'Crossman' name has not been confirmed yet for the production car) has been conceived around the concept of 'four', said Armbrecht. 'It is four metres long, it will have four doors, four fully-flexible seats, and a four-wheel-drive option.'
He confirmed that it will have a higher seating position and higher ride than the mainstream Mini hatchback. However, keeping the 'go-kart feeling' of the Mini's handling has been a top priority, explained Ambrecht as well as maintaining the key elements of Mini design and a 'friendly image'.
Armbrecht hinted that there will be some surprises, though. Will the production car then keep the concept's assymetrical door layout, with one sliding rear door? This would certainly mark it out as different from the more conventional X1 mini-4x4.
The Crossover will be the fourth model in the Mini range, which currently comprises hatchback, convertible and Clubman estate bodystyles. Plans are underway to develop a fifth model, possibly the rumoured 'mini-Mini' two-seater Smart rival.
The company is confident that it can ride out the current economic downturn - and even increase sales - with ease. Though sales have slowed down to the extent that the Christmas shutdown at the Cowley factory has been extended, year-to-date sales are still over 10% higher than the January-October period in 2007, and Mini will still make over 200,000 cars this year.
Prepare, then, for a party: the rest of the motor industry may be in the doldrums, with a number of major manufacturers pulling out of the Detroit Motor Show (where Mini is to launch the new-generation Cabriolet), but a huge 'Mini 50' celebration - an extra-special Mini United gathering - is planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of the original British Motor Corporation Mini in 1959.
This event could well also see the unveiling of at least one new Mini model, hint insiders; this will probably be a '50th anniversary' special edition, though we wouldn't rule out a preview of the near-production Crossover, or even an all-new concept car.
Video: Mini Crossover, Paris Motor Show
