The New MINI Minor Could be Major
By Kyle Simpson
Just when you were beginning to think that MINI would never make a car small enough for you (the Cooper takes up SO much space), there are rumors that they plan to revive the Minor in a new, improved, and smaller package to rival the Smart ForTwo and the Toyota iQ.
With a name like MINI, it’s no surprise that they would want a slice of the micro-car market, and while the old Morris Minor is closer to the Cooper in size and design, the concept art for the latest version of the MINI looks to give Smart cars a run for their money when it comes to compact styling.
Geneva Plans
While most of the information available on this car is still a matter of speculation, it has been announced that BMW plans to unveil the MINI “Mini” at the world famous Geneva International Motor Show in March 2011. Rumors circulate that the manufacturer is working on prototypes at a factory in Munich, Germany (although it has also been said that the project has yet to be green-lighted).
However, the photos released in conjunction with the announcement depict both a two-door and a four-door version of this tiny bubble-car with models looking like a cross between a Smart car and a Scion.
Safety Standards
In truth, a four-door version of this model is probably out of the question. Since the maximum length of the car is currently estimated at 120 inches (which is 27 inches shorter than the mini-est MINI and slightly more than 7 inches longer than the Smart ForTwo), it would be difficult for the manufacturer to adhere to U.S. and European safety standards if they were to make a four-seat model.
And while a three-seat option is always a possibility, it seems much more likely that MINI will leave that little piece of oddity to the think-tank at Toyota and opt instead for a two-seater, taking on Smart as their major competition.
Three Cylinders
One component that sounds like a good fit for this small automobile is the 3-cylinder engine that BMW has reportedly put in the works for their upcoming Megacity line. This would allow the company to cut productions costs as well as allow for a smaller-capacity gasoline engine (both of which could spell savings for consumers). It all fits into a larger concept of “i” mobility that is slowly infiltrating the minds of eco-conscious consumers around the world who commute but do not carpool.
If you’re only driving yourself around, why would you want to spend more on gasoline to power a large vehicle with unused seating? The concept aims for a market in which two-vehicle ownership would include a small “everyday” car that is easy to park, cheap to operate, and produces lower harmful emissions, as well as a larger vehicle that would be in reserve for occasional use as needed.
Cost Effective
While little is yet known about plans for the MINI Minor, it seems that the only thing halting production at this point is attempts by BMW to overcome cost-prohibitive aspects of manufacturing. In other words, they want to make sure they can make it cheap enough not only to rival competitor’s costs, but to ensure profitability. As luck would have it, they are entering into a still largely untapped market with a brand that was named to sell MINI cars.
Author Information
Kyle Simpson writes for Medical Billing and Coding Online where you can find more information about a career in medical billing and coding.
Resources
Autoblog Green: In depth: BMW Megacity Vehicle and Project I
Auto Spies: Entry-level MINI coming to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show
Geneva International Motor Show (Salon International de l’automobile)
