Mini is seeking to reduce the size of its core three-door hatchback model when it enters its fourth generation under BMW ownership.
The fourth-gen BMW Mini range, due in 2022 or 2023, is also set to expand to include a new compact crossover model, as first revealed by Autocar recently.
Speaking to Autocar at the recent Frankfurt motor show, Mini boss Bernd Körber said he’d like to see Mini “grow in some aspects” while he’d also “love to see the core Mini shrink again”.
Mini to revive Traveller name for BMW i3-based MPV
That latter point is currently the focus of the new car’s early development. There is an acknowledgement within the company that the core three-door hatchback has grown too large and its proportions lack the compact look of the earlier BMW-produced models, particularly around the front overhang.
Although it won’t dramatically shrink the car’s footprint, the altered proportions, particularly at the front, should give it a more compact look. Mini is also seeking to incorporate some of the packaging lessons learned from the Electric three-door hatch into the standard car, which will be offered with petrol and electric drivetrains in its next generation.
“We are having proportion and design discussions at the moment,” said Körber. “The task now is to design it. In three to four years, I’d like to see the start of the next generation.”
He added: “Hopefully in the next generation, we can make it even more compact, back to where Mini comes from.”
There will also be a “major step to the future and innovation” in the new Mini’s interior, with a greater focus on digital technology. However, the round centre console will remain a part of the design.
The fourth-generation Mini line-up is again set to include closely related three-door, five-door and Cabriolet models, as well as the larger Mini Clubman and Mini Countryman.
It will grow to also include a crossover model that’s larger than the Countryman. The crossover could revive the Traveller name and the electric version will be twinned with the next-generation BMW i3, as previously reported by Autocar.
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Hope maybe !
The current three door is the least of Mini's problems. Lets hope next time around they can sort out the dogs dinner of the current five door. The team responsible should be ashamed they took money for it. I am sure my five year old grandchild could proportion and detail it better.
Old But not yet Dead wrote:
Well Autocar were predicting, not that long ago, that MINI might be dropping the three door hatch for the next generation, but I can't see that happening. I agree, the current 5-door hatch is awful, I think they should satisfy that demand with a seperate model rather than the contrived one they have now. Its not just the proportions that are bad, for a long-legged driver like me that extends the steering column out fully and puts the seat back, I can hardly get past that middle pillar.
I've had 3 MINIs over the past 15 years, a first generation, and two second generations, one of which is my current vehicle. I can't bring myself to buy a mark 3, so something more akin to the first two would suit me down to the ground
Blame the accountants...
The five-door's proportions are fine. It's the stupid decision to abandon the three-door's frameless windows and use thick and clunky looking door window frames (and an exposed B-pillar) that ruined the car's appearance.
Mini MINI
Just to say I agree with a number of posts here about getting gack to the simplicity and better looks of the Mk1 and Mk2 BMW MINIs. Might bode well for the future of MINI after all.
I hope this actually happens.
I hope this actually happens. I'm almost 6ft 4in and easily fit my gen 2 Mini which I regret selling. The gen 3 is awful.