MINI offroader heads for Paris

MINI has released details of its entry into the burgeoning compact crossover market.

The subject of rumour and speculation almost since the brand was re-established in 2000 and still officially only a 'design study', the MINI Crossover Concept is nonetheless likely to be very close to the finished product. Indeed, fling a few of the wackier design elements and what you see is what you will get as the brand's fourth body variant, in time for the start of the new decade.

All-wheel drive is a first for MINI but while the concept makes a significant song and dance about elements such as the MINI Center Rail "universal, multifunction fastening rail" the overall effect is remarkably conventional. MINI has even ditched the rather pointless split doors of the Clubman, in favour of a more conventional swing tailgate.

Perhaps the most controversial element, therefore, is the extension of the Clubman's Clubdoor concept. On the right-hand side of the Crossover there are conventional doors (though pillarless like the current Coopers), but on the left-hand flank the rear door is an articulated variation on the suicide door theme.

It has no external hardware and it latches against the front door thus creating a massive opening. Don't expect this to make it to production.

The Crossover Concept's proportions are also unique to the segment. The ultra short rear overhang is a signature MINI styling trait, though new to the brand is the long Infiniti FX50-aping nose.

The photos hereabouts show a significantly larger and wider vehicle than the current 'big' MINI, the Clubman. MINI says Crossover Concept is "the first MINI to measure more than four metres in length".  At 2606mm the CC's wheelbase is 60mm longer than the Clubman and its 1830mm width and height of nearly 1600mm high are significant increases -- 150mm and 170mm (approx) respectively.

To be built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, the production version of the Crossover Concept will almost certainly introduce an all-new platform for the BMW-owned marque. It's fair to assume that it will retain the transverse front-wheel drive based architecture of the current MINI line-up.

Speculation is already mounting that the all-wheel drive CC may share its platform with a low-riding front-wheel drive MINI Maxi sedan or five-door hatch.

Expect more details of the Crossover Concept to be revealed at next month's Paris Motor Show. And look out for our coverage of the CC's reveal and many other important new models direct from Paris commencing on October 2.

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