MINI constructed its popularity on angle, not extra — a scrappy, small-car swagger that turned odd commutes into tiny adventures. However because the model grows up and sizes up, an even bigger query looms: what does “enjoyable to drive” appear like for a MINI in 2025 and past? The model’s “go-kart” dynamics had been as soon as a captivating stability of usability, packaging, and engagement. However as MINI’s automobiles have swelled in dimension, now we have to marvel if it isn’t time to alter issues up somewhat bit. And we expect rear-wheel drive is the right solution to do it.
The MINI “Go Kart:” Gone However Not Forgotten?
For practically 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 now, 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 spite of everything, the model now sells the MINI Countryman, a small SUV, alongside a fair 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 would possibly, 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 automobiles don’t retain the identical allure. With a purpose to present drivers with ample zip, horsepower needed to rise alongside dimensions and poundage. Sadly, even the best-tuned efficiency front-wheel drive autos find yourself with fairly a little bit of torque steer. The MINI Cooper is not any exception. Combating that’s straightforward if you happen to add all-wheel drive, however that isn’t precisely true to the go-kart ethos, both. So, with BMW’s Neue Klasse automobiles 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
Though MINI was arguably a bit late to the electrification social gathering — solely often because the model was such an apparent match for it — all could possibly be forgiven with some strong 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 crucial concession, bringing enjoyable again to the MINI model in an enormous new means. We’d like to see gasoline fashions comply with go well with; in spite of everything, BMW nonetheless has CLAR in 2025. CLAR underpins smaller automobiles like the two Sequence Coupe. The recipe has all of the makings for a few of the finest scorching hatches ever.
There are some uncertainties. We’re not 100% certain CLAR would scale straight; in spite of everything, the two Coupe continues to be practically 17 inches (43 cm) longer than the up to date Cooper. There’s additionally the “heritage” side that may be robust to beat; in spite of everything, MINI has been FWD without end. However at a sure level, MINI does must determine between that very particular and literal piece of heritage versus the ethos of the model, which has all the time been to offer immensely pleasing driving dynamics in a city-car sized package deal.
MINI RWD: Might it Actually Occur?
Though initiatives just like the MINI Superleggera flirted with the concept of a special sort of MINI, there’s nothing to recommend — but — {that a} RWD MINI undertaking 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 at the least just a few minds on the firm. In spite of everything, it’s not like even a low-powered rear-driven MINI would alienate present prospects; and picture the attract efficiency trims would have. The recent hatch local weather is arguably extra alive than its ever been, with strong 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!
