In detail: Mini Crossover concept

Mini has finally taken the covers off its new four-wheel-drive model with this, the Crossover Concept. The Crossover is being used to preview Mini’s new ‘urban off-roader’, the fourth model in the line-up, ahead of its UK launch in early 2010. At 4135mm long, 1830mm wide and 1598mm high, it is bigger all round than the Mini Clubman, which donates much of its styling to its four-wheel drive sibling. The Crossover’s 2606mm wheelbase is also 61mm longer, providing scope for greater interior space as well as a slightly larger and more practical boot. See more pics of the Mini Crossover ConceptWhile it adopts the same retro look of existing Minis, the Crossover Concept has been given fresh visual appeal. The exterior takes on a considerably bolder appearance than the Clubman, with a prominent three-slat chromed grille and big, high-set headlamps dominating at the front end. Autocar sources in Germany have long suggested that the production version of the Crossover Concept will retain the same transverse engine layout as existing Minis, with a Getrag-developed four-wheel drive system to channel drive to the rear wheels. Prototype mules caught testing by Autocar’s spy photographers in recent months back up this line of thinking. Continuing the styling theme established on the Clubman, Mini has given the Crossover Concept an asymmetrical body with unusual doors. The right-hand side has two short but conventional front-hinged frameless doors and an exposed B-pillar, but the left-hand side has a longer frameless front door and a stubby rear door with a parallelogram hinge and does away with the B-pillar altogether.At the rear is a frameless one-piece tailgate that hinges sideways from the right to reveal a flat boot. The rear window can be wound down to allow long objects to extend out beyond the rear door. Mini is remaining tight-lipped on whether this particular layout will be seen on production versions of the SUV.Inside, the Crossover Concept features a four-seat layout with individual sliding rear seats that can fold flat to extend boot space. Departing from the traditional dashboard design, the Crossover also gets what Mini calls a ‘Centre Globe’. Using laser projectors, the new display — which replaces the Mini’s centre dial — controls the entertainment, telecommuniction and navigation systems. Although the car was expected to be called Crossman, Mini says the production version will be badged as a Mini Cross, the title under which it has been developed at BMW’s R&D centre in Munich.

Greg Kable