MINI Crossover Delivers Big

BMW Group's MINI brand is clearly right for the times. With the launch of the MINI Convertible and slightly larger Clubman, it has become obvious that the company's intention is to expand the MINI brand. Further proof comes to us from the Paris Auto Show in the form of an even larger MINI Crossover Concept.

The original Mini proved to be an incredibly versatile car, so this move is not unprecedented. During the Sixties, the Mini was offered as a Panel, a woody wagon called the Austin Mini Traveler, the Morris Mini Countryman, a diminutive pickup version, and even a Jeep-like open utility known as the Mini Moke. Given current activities at MINI, it's true that history does tend to repeat itself.

Presented as a 'design study,' the MINI Crossover is so well executed there is little doubt that BMW Group plans to move forward with its production, most likely as a 2010 model. The Crossover design adds foul weather, all-wheel-drive capability in a larger package that takes the MINI's sporty nature in an all-new direction.

The MINI Crossover Concept is essentially a new platform, offering a 102.6 inch wheelbase compared to the standard MINI's 97.1 inch stance, or the Clubman's 100.3 inch wheelbase and greater than 13 foot length. It's wider and taller, too. At 72 inches wide, the Crossover is nearly a half-foot wider than the standard MINI. It also sports a taller ride height to navigate moderate off-pavement terrain and a revised roofline that brings the total height to 62.9 inches, compared to 55.4 inches for the traditional model. These expanded dimensions provide additional interior room for both passengers and cargo.

MINI isn't tipping its hand at what's under the hood, but at the very least we would expect the 172 horsepower, 192 lbs-ft turbocharged direct-injection 1.6-liter DOHC four. We think the best choice would be the torquey turbo-diesel offered in MINI's European D model, if it can meet U.S. clean diesel standards. The surefooted all-wheel-drive capability will be a welcome addition in snow country.

MINI purists may find the Crossover Concept a bit of a stretch, but the design team did an admirable job of maintaining a MINI character sans the cuteness. Think of it as MINI juiced on steroids with a bit of Infinity FX thrown in. In addition to the taller and wider stance, unique design cues like a bold three bar grill and deep-set projector headlamps lend an aggressive look. The Crossover Concept rides on color-keyed, six spoke 18-inch alloy wheels that hint at the aftermarket Minilite mag wheels that were a signature feature on high performance Mini Coopers in the Sixties.

The body structure takes on a whole new character when all five doors are opened up. This thing has more hinges and angles than an unfolded Swiss Army Knife. The two front doors and the passenger side rear door are conventional and hinged at the front. The left rear door, however, opens out and slides back like a minivan. There is no 'B' pillar on the driver's side of the MINI Crossover, allowing easy access to both the front and rear seats. Finally, the rear door isn't a single hatch like the MINI or a dual Dutch door arrangement like the Clubman, but rather a single door with a massive hinge on the passenger side. Up top, the MINI Crossover Concept has a huge fabric folding roof that lends an open-air feel to the interior.

Inside, you'll find a 2-plus-2 arrangement with buckets in both the front and rear. There's plenty of legroom in the rear and all four seats are fully adjustable and slide front and rear. A center rail extends from the dash back past the rear seats to the tailgate, acting as a rack mount for cup holders, storage bins, and entertainment and communications electronics. There's an integrated cable channel for electronic device connections and mounts for laptops, lights, and a cooler.

The dash has a familiar MINI feel with a large round center instrument pod, but that's where the similarity ends. That center instrument is quite unique. MINI calls it a Center Globe and it looks like a ball with three-dimensional controls. The multifunction display is a master control for entertainment, navigation, and telecommunication and features a speedometer ring around the perimeter. Unlike a flat touch screen, adding depth provides more possibilities so that displays and controls can be stratified on distinct levels. Advanced laser projection technology allows a high level of visibility within the globe and the ability to split it into hemispheres for distinct driver and passenger functions.

As an extension of the MINI brand, the Crossover Concept holds a lot of potential. If it goes to production, this supersized MINI could bring a whole new customer demographic to MINI showrooms.