Mini Crossover Concept: the first photos

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

09 September 2008 23:00

Here's the first look at the new Mini Crossover Concept – proof, at last, that BMW will indeed build a 4x4, SUV-lite version of the Mini. The Crossover concept car will be shown at the 2008 Paris motor show (where else?) and previews the production Mini SUV due in 2010.

Mini Crossover Concept: the first official pictures

Pore over these first official photographs carefully, because the new Mini Crossover Concept shows closely how the trendy brand's new SUV is shaping up and also reveals how the future face of the Mini brand is evolving. That gigantic grille and sweptback headlamps point to a new design direction for the most famous of British small-car brands.

And if you thought the new, BMW-built Mini was big, wait until you eyeball this 4x4 version. It's the first Mini to break the four-metre barrier at 4050mm long, 1830mm wide and 1598mm tall. For reference, that's six inches wider and taller than a Clubman.

Uh-oh... Mad Mini doors alert!
Yep, you've spotted the Mini Crossover Concept's party piece. Look at me! I've got even sillier doors than a Clubman! The new show star has a single Clubman-esque van door at the back, and goes a stage further with asymmetric rear doors: the right rear door is conventionally hinged while the lefthand side door slides out and back, like on the Peugeot 1007.

However, CAR understands that conventional doors are more likely on the production Mini SUV, which will be built by Magna Steyr in Austria in time for sales in 2010. Five doors will be standard, to trim costs and make this a Mini that you really could use every day.

Click 'Next' to read more on the new Mini Crossover Concept car

By Tim Pollard