MINI readying two new SUVs to grow sales

MINI is secretly plotting two all-new SUVs as part of an aggressive plan to rapidly grow sales.

In a move described as the biggest shake-up in its operations since BMW bought it, the British car-maker is banking its future on SUVs, according to an insider speaking to

Set to be developed as part of a Chinese joint-venture, both models will be based on BMW's latest modular platform.

In order to attract new buyers to the brand, the first model to be made as part of the Chinese alliance will be a five-door SUV with similar dimensions to the current BMW X1.

Developed in partnership with Great Wall Motors, the new pure-electric SUV will be the first BMW model to be powered by next-gen cobalt-free battery cells developed by Great Wall-owned SVolt.

Rumoured to re-use the Paceman name, the new MINI could spin off a sister car that could provide the basis for the next BMW iX3.

The new MINI Paceman will be built in a new factory 140km from Shanghai, with the first models due to roll off the line in 2022.

After the Paceman arrives, in 2024 a larger MINI SUV will be introduced that is tipped to resurrect the Traveller name once seen on the original Mini wagon.

There's no word on how large MINI plans to go, but the new Traveller will be positioned above the existing Countryman.

Both new SUV models are in response to declining sales. MINI sold just 347,474 vehicles last year, down from its 372,194 peak in 2017.

The pair of new SUVs, bosses hope, will help MINI flourish in Asian and North American markets.

Despite being larger than other MINIs in the range, the new models will be the smallest in the respective classes they will compete in.

Crucially, the flagship MINI SUV has been developed to sit on BMW's CLAR architecture to allow it to be built in the same US plants that manufacture the X3, X5, X6 and X7.

This means the Traveller will become the first MINI to feature a longitudinally-mounted engine.

Speaking to the Brit mag, MINI boss Bernd Korber admitted the larger MINI SUV has been driven by buyer preferences in its biggest markets.

“The Countryman is a small SUV. In the US and China, there are certain needs. We will look at a compact SUV in the next generation. There are lots of benefits with a car like that for urban use. For me, it’s a good match.”

While working to create the two new SUVs, MINI engineers are already well underway developing the replacement for the current MINI hatch.

According to Korber, the next MINI will shrink in size slightly but offer similar levels of interior space.

Due on sale in 2022, the new MINI hatch will offer a wide range of electrified powertrains including a new 48-volt mild-hybrid petrol set-up.

After the introduction of the all-new MINI hatch, the British car-maker says it will also follow up the electric version with a new model delivering a longer range and 150kW fast-charging.

To the delight of hot hatch fans, the John Cooper Works and GP models will also live on.

Style-wise, insiders suggest an evolutionary approach for the next hatch, which will keep its round headlights, hexagonal grille and floating roof, although a lengthened wheelbase will result in revised proportions with a shorter front overhang and more of a sloping bonnet.

Inside, apart from a large round centrally mounted screen, the current MINI's retro design cues will be no more. In their place, the next British hatch will come with a far more modern cabin design, plus new tech and an infotainment system operated by natural speech.

Unusually, while others abandon drop-tops, the MINI Convertible will also live on thanks to strong sales of the current model.

Both the Clubman and Countryman will also be part of the fourth-generation's line-up, although the MINI wagon is set to transition into an SUV.

Apart from the new flagship SUV, all next-gen MINI models will be based on a second-generation BMW FAAR platform that, as well as being ready for electrification, should bring more driver aids -- potentially including Level 3 autonomous tech that will allow the hatch to drive itself on the highway without driver input.