MINI sedan on the way

MINI is secretly readying a new sedan that will compete directly with the Audi A3 and could revive the famous ’Riley’ nameplate.

The fifth model to join the MINI range is part of the British-based car-maker’s plans to push the brand upmarket, says Autocar magazine, in its scoop story.

Despite no official confirmation from MINI, sources speaking to Autocar say the sedan will help the BMW-owned car-maker offer its customers “more rounded and mature models” and push the MINI brand further away from its “cartoon-like” past.

Evidence of the shift towards more grown-up models is the larger, more spacious second generation Clubman and the more sensible Convertible that was recently launched.

The name ‘Riley’ is likely to be used because BMW already owns the trademark following its acquisition of MINI from the Rover Group back in 2000.

If badged Riley, the MINI sedan would tap into its past heritage of making small sedans like the original Mini-based Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet.

The new sedan is expected to be specifically targeted at both the North American and Chinese market, although it’s likely the MINI sedan will be available in right-hand drive meaning it could come to Australia.

The announcement a fifth model line was on its way was made by MINI’s Peter Schwarzenbauer back in 2014 when, in a speech, the senior board member spoke of the company's five 'superheroes’ plan.

Last year MINI sold a record 338,466 cars worldwide and is on target, when the second-gen Countryman SUV arrives later this year, to surpass 500,000 sales as soon as 2017.