MINI constructed its popularity on perspective, not extra — a scrappy, small-car swagger that turned peculiar 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 had been as soon as a captivating stability of usability, packaging, and engagement. However as MINI’s automobiles have swelled in measurement, we now have to marvel if it isn’t time to vary issues up a bit of bit. And we expect rear-wheel drive is the proper 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. Right now, 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 a good heavier electrified model of the Cooper. And, in some markets, an electrical SUV slotting below 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, measurement and weight are simply the plain causes the automobiles don’t retain the identical allure. With a view to present drivers with sufficient 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 for those who add all-wheel drive, however that isn’t precisely true to the go-kart ethos, both. So, with BMW’s Neue Klasse automobiles nearly as good as getting 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
Although MINI was arguably a bit late to the electrification get together — solely often because the model was such an apparent match for it — all could possibly be forgiven with some stable rear-wheel drive fashions. Neue Klasse underpinnings would enable the bigger MINI fashions to deal with and really feel as dynamic as their larger BMW-badged brothers. It might additionally facilitate rear- and all-wheel drive, the latter of which is a essential concession, bringing enjoyable again to the MINI model in a giant new approach. We’d like to see gasoline fashions comply with go well with; in any case, BMW nonetheless has CLAR in 2025. CLAR underpins smaller automobiles like the two Collection Coupe. The recipe has all of the makings for a few of the greatest scorching hatches ever.
There are some uncertainties. We’re not 100% certain CLAR would scale straight; in any case, the two Coupe remains to be practically 17 inches (43 cm) longer than the up to date Cooper. There’s additionally the “heritage” side that is likely to be robust to beat; in any case, MINI has been FWD eternally. However at a sure level, MINI does should resolve between that very particular and literal piece of heritage versus the ethos of the model, which has at all times been to offer immensely fulfilling driving dynamics in a city-car sized bundle.
MINI RWD: Might it Actually Occur?
Although tasks just like the MINI Superleggera flirted with the concept of a unique form of MINI, there’s nothing to recommend — but — {that a} RWD MINI venture could possibly 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 no less than a couple 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 stable 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!
