MINI constructed its status on angle, 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” seem like for a MINI in 2025 and past? The model’s “go-kart” dynamics have been as soon as an enthralling steadiness of usability, packaging, and engagement. However as MINI’s vehicles have swelled in dimension, we now have to marvel if it isn’t time to alter issues up a little bit bit. And we expect rear-wheel drive is the right approach to do it.
The MINI “Go Kart:” Gone However Not Forgotten?
For practically half a century, MINI’s greatest promoting level — and arguably, highest reward — got here by the use 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. In the present day, the MINI Cooper weighs over 3,000 kilos (1,360 kg). However that’s removed from essentially 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 beneath 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 Seventies, dimension and weight are simply the plain causes the vehicles don’t retain the identical attraction. So as to present drivers with ample 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 straightforward in case you add all-wheel drive, however that isn’t precisely true to the go-kart ethos, both. So, with BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles nearly as good as coming into manufacturing, we expect it’s time for MINI to make a giant shift and go rear-wheel drive.
Rear-Wheel Drive and MINI: an Apparent Match
Though MINI was arguably a bit late to the electrification celebration — solely often because the model was such an apparent match for it — all may very well 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 greater BMW-badged brothers. It might additionally facilitate rear- and all-wheel drive, the latter of which is a crucial concession, bringing enjoyable again to the MINI model in a giant new means. We’d like to see fuel fashions comply with go well with; in spite of everything, BMW nonetheless has CLAR in 2025. CLAR underpins smaller vehicles like the two Sequence Coupe. The recipe has all of the makings for a number of the finest sizzling hatches ever.
There are some uncertainties. We’re not 100% certain CLAR would scale straight; in spite of everything, the two Coupe remains to be practically 17 inches (43 cm) longer than the up to date Cooper. There’s additionally the “heritage” facet that may be powerful to beat; in spite of everything, MINI has been FWD eternally. However at a sure level, MINI does need to resolve between that very particular and literal piece of heritage versus the ethos of the model, which has all the time been to offer immensely pleasurable driving dynamics in a city-car sized package deal.
MINI RWD: May it Actually Occur?
Though initiatives just like the MINI Superleggera flirted with the thought of a unique sort of MINI, there’s nothing to counsel — but — {that a} RWD MINI mission may very well be on the best way. 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 we now have to think about it has crossed at the least a number 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 recent hatch local weather is arguably extra alive than its ever been, with strong entrants in the best way 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!
