The next-gen Mini will be downsized compared to its predecessor, and a new crossover SUV will be added to the lineup, Mini CEO said in an interview.
He added that the fourth generation of the three-door hatchback would see the daylight in 2022 or 2023 and once again become the staple product for Mini.
In accordance with the worldwide trends, the compact car grew in size with each subsequent design iteration, ultimately losing the very compactness that once was its main selling point. Now, the car manufacturer wants to return to the drawing board and revise the proportions. It is actually possible that the design team ends up resorting to various tricks to make the new Mini appear slimmer, while preserving its current dimensions.
The cabin will benefit from added modern tech, while retaining the traditional round instrument design.
Like before, the lineup will consist of a three-door hatchback model, its larger five-door counterpart, a convertible, a Clubman estate/wagon, and a Countryman crossover. A new, larger SUV will be introduced later on, and an all-electric Mini based on the new BMW i3 tech is possible, but not confirmed.