Mini sedan in the works

As pledged in 2014, Mini has turned its focus on developing five distinct ‘superhero’ model lines. The tag is applied to these models as, like super heroes, each car comes with its distinct personality and set of capabilities.

The five-model approach started with the new three-door and five-door hatchbacks as one model line, followed by the Clubman and the Convertible as the second and third respectively. The fourth new model, a larger and more spacious second-generation Countryman, will be launched later this year. The Clubman will come to India by late 2016, after its global launch.

Although there’s no official confirmation yet, our sister publication Autocar UK understands that the fifth model will be a sedan, targeted mainly at the North American and Chinese markets but will be available globally. Speaking to Autocar UK, vice president of Mini product management, Ralph Mahler did not directly confirm plans for a sedan but did reveal that Mini had undertaken all sorts of analysis on different market trends and segments. He said: “For example, in Asia and the US, the sedan segment is very big. This is very interesting to us, of course.”

The new model could resurrect the Riley name, for which BMW owns the trademark. Mahler said heritage was a priority and mentioned that the firm had a history of making sedans with Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet models, although he admitted most modern Mini buyers would not be aware of this.

The new Clubman is likely to provide the basis for the Mini sedan, with the pair sharing bodywork and a 2,670mm wheelbase. Expect a length of around 4,300mm, which would make it one of the smallest sedans on sale, keeping in line with Mini’s desire to make the smallest car in a segment.