A MINI Sedan Could Be in the Works
A new four-door MINI complete with a trunk may be the next model to come from the British automaker.
Autocar cites an unnamed MINI insider who says a sedan is the next logical step for the brand. With its new third generation of vehicles, MINI is looking to convey a more grown up feel rather than the quirky and fun attitude of the cars recently. MINI also wants to expand to have a five model lineup, so adding a new body style makes sense.
As for a name, it is suggested that MINI could reach into its past for the Riley moniker, a reference to its classic Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet models.
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The model would ride on the same front-wheel drive platform that underpins the BMW X1 and MINI Clubman models. It would likely also share the Clubman’s styling and wheelbase.
It would be targeted at the U.S. and China, where hatchback models don’t sell as strongly as in world markets. “For example, in Asia and the US, the sedan segment is very big. This is very interesting to us, of course,” Ralph Mahler, vice president of Mini’s product management told Autocar.
[Source: Autocar]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Oh God, don't let them call it a MINI Riley! Riley is supposed to be a separate brand! The Riley Kestrel, Adelphi, Pathfinder, etc. had nuttin to do with MINI. And here i was waiting with baited breath for years to see Riley's return. What will BMW do next? Triumph Spitfire with front-wheel-drive?