By Dan Trent
03 October 2008 10:32:44

Paris Motor Show: Mini's new 4x4

Long rumoured, Mini has chosen Paris as the venue to show off its new SUV concept. Or should that be Crossover? Mini refers to the concept as a Sports Activity Vehicle instead, the same label parent firm BMW uses for the X6.
Mini Crossover (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Mini Crossover: click images to enlarge
That’s about where the similarity ends though, Mini’s take on the theme resembling a jacked up Clubman with a sleeker front end, curving windowline and a novelty rear door on the driver’s side that swings back for loading everyday items like snowboards. Well, everyday in the world of motor show concept designers at least.
 
At least there’s a rear passenger door on the other side too, unlike the Clubman. And at over four metres in length – substantially more than any current Mini – there’s room enough for rear seats full-sized people might actually want to spend some time in. Now there’s a novelty!
 
Mini Crossover (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Mini Crossover
Speaking of which, make sure you don’t miss the bizarre Mini Centre Globe. Jutting out of the centre console, this interface controls everything from starting the car (by dropping in a key ‘sphere’ into the top of it) to navigation, in-car entertainment and even on-the-move internet access.
 
And you thought texting on the move was bad! Not to worry though – this facility is for the passenger only, leaving the driver able to independently control navigation and other more relevant features via a tracker ball mounted on the steering wheel.
Mini
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote

  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?

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  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
    1. New BMW 7-Series
      12%
    2. Chevrolet Cruze
      1%
    3. Ferrari California
      23%
    4. New Ford Ka
      4%
    5. Lamborghini Estoque
      36%
    6. Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
      4%
    7. New Renault Megane
      2%
    8. New Toyota Avensis
      4%
    9. Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
      3%
    10. New VW Golf
      11%
28336 responses,