Bigger MINI models on the way?

The flexible new BMW Group platform that debuted in the 2015 MINI Cooper may pave the way for MINI models larger than the current Countryman crossover.

Speaking with Britain’s Autocar, MINI sales and marketing boss Ian Robertson explained that new Cooper’s FWD platform — which will underpin all future MINI models as well as BMW’s next 1-Series and upcoming MPV – will let the brand be “far more adventurous” with future models.

“The small car segment is growing at around twice the speed of the rest of the segments combined, so there are clearly opportunities,” said Robertson. “That opens opportunities, some of which may surprise you. The Countryman is 4m 17cm and when we launched it we were very conscious that we had to remain true to the Mini brand. But sales of 100,000 Countrymans a year show that it has been a success, and that we are capable of more.

“I do think there is a size limit. I’m not sure we could sell a 5m Mini. But so long as we remain true to the principles of it being very much an urban car, with a good turning circle, a decent size to park and so on then I think there are areas we can explore.

Aside from a potential upsized model, rumors have suggested that other future MINIs could include a four-door version of the 2015 Cooper, a Cooper sedan aimed at the Chinese market, and a sports car to replace the slow-selling Coupe and Roadster models.

A smaller MINI like the Rocketman concept isn’t likely to become a reality, however. Roberston revealed that the business case for such a model — which would require the development of an all-new platform — simply isn’t there at present.

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