MINI constructed its status on perspective, not extra — a scrappy, small-car swagger that turned abnormal commutes into tiny adventures. However because the model grows up and sizes up, an even bigger query looms: what does “enjoyable to drive” appear to be for a MINI in 2025 and past? The model’s “go-kart” dynamics have been as soon as a captivating steadiness of usability, packaging, and engagement. However as MINI’s vehicles have swelled in dimension, now we have to marvel if it isn’t time to alter issues up just a little bit. And we expect rear-wheel drive is the right approach to do it.
The MINI “Go Kart:” Gone However Not Forgotten?
For almost half a century, MINI’s largest promoting level — and arguably, highest reward — got here by means of its “go-kart like dealing with.” That was completely acceptable reward when you think about the early Austin Cooper and Rover Mini fashions weighed round 1,500 kilos (680 kg) of their heaviest configurations. Right this moment, the MINI Cooper weighs over 3,000 kilos (1,360 kg). However that’s removed from probably the most egregious departure from the “go-kart” philosophy. In any case, the model now sells the MINI Countryman, a small SUV, alongside an excellent heavier electrified model of the Cooper. And, in some markets, an electrical SUV slotting underneath the Countryman dubbed the Aceman.
Whereas every of those fashions may, in their very own proper, do a dependable impersonation of a go-kart MINI from the Nineteen Seventies, dimension and weight are simply the apparent causes the vehicles don’t retain the identical attraction. With a view to present drivers with enough zip, horsepower needed to rise alongside dimensions and poundage. Sadly, even the best-tuned efficiency front-wheel drive automobiles find yourself with fairly a little bit of torque steer. The MINI Cooper is not any exception. Combating that’s simple for those who add all-wheel drive, however that isn’t precisely true to the go-kart ethos, both. So, with BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles pretty much as good as getting into manufacturing, we expect it’s time for MINI to make an enormous shift and go rear-wheel drive.
Rear-Wheel Drive and MINI: an Apparent Match
Despite the fact that MINI was arguably a bit late to the electrification celebration — solely often because the model was such an apparent match for it — all could possibly be forgiven with some stable rear-wheel drive fashions. Neue Klasse underpinnings would permit the bigger MINI fashions to deal with and really feel as dynamic as their larger BMW-badged brothers. It could additionally facilitate rear- and all-wheel drive, the latter of which is a vital concession, bringing enjoyable again to the MINI model in an enormous new manner. We’d like to see fuel fashions observe go well with; in any case, BMW nonetheless has CLAR in 2025. CLAR underpins smaller vehicles like the two Sequence Coupe. The recipe has all of the makings for a few of the finest sizzling hatches ever.
There are some uncertainties. We’re not 100% positive CLAR would scale instantly; in any case, the two Coupe remains to be almost 17 inches (43 cm) longer than the modern Cooper. There’s additionally the “heritage” side that is perhaps robust to beat; in any case, MINI has been FWD eternally. However at a sure level, MINI does should determine between that very particular and literal piece of heritage versus the ethos of the model, which has at all times been to supply immensely pleasurable driving dynamics in a city-car sized package deal.
MINI RWD: May it Actually Occur?
Despite the fact that initiatives just like the MINI Superleggera flirted with the concept of a unique form of MINI, there’s nothing to counsel — but — {that a} RWD MINI mission could possibly be on the way in which. With the electrical MINI Cooper already out and about, it’s unlikely we’d see a rear-driven MINI inside the last decade. That’s assuming it’s one thing the model has any curiosity in engaged on in any respect. However now we have to think about it has crossed not less than a couple of minds on the firm. In any case, it’s not like even a low-powered rear-driven MINI would alienate present clients; and picture the attract efficiency trims would have. The new hatch local weather is arguably extra alive than its ever been, with stable entrants in the way in which of the Golf R, GR Corolla, and (although not within the U.S.) the Audi RS3. There’s no time like the current, MINI — get on it!
Source link
