The decision confirms...
The decision confirms comments made by Impreza chief engineer, Hiroshi Mori, who told Auto Express that the next-generation car "might take a new design direction, and could be smaller". So why have designers turned their back on saloons? The new car will be smaller, lighter and cheaper to produce than the four-door, and should have better handling, thanks to its short wheelbase and stiffer body.
Here"s proof that MINI"s...
Here"s proof that MINI"s beefed up supermini is shaping up! Our exclusive spyshots are the first to show the newcomer performance testing in Germany - and reveal the interior too!
Set to be packed full of interesting and clever design details, the new MINI Crossman also promises to take the British firm"s famous story into uncharted territory as the company"s first five-seat SUV.
Insiders promise that the model"s compact full time 4x4 wheel drive transmission will give this machine real off road ability, as well as great on road handling...
And as these pictures suggest, the newcomer will be no slouch when it hits the road early next year.
In
fact, the 4x4 is targetted at buyers who yearn for the practicality of
a full blown off-roader, but don"t want to compromise on performance or
comfort.
A front wheel drive version will also be made available, offering the same tall suspension, but better fuel economy and a lower price tag.
From the outside, our pictures show that the car remains faithful to the design originally presented by the original MINI 4x4 concept car. That means bodywork with four wide opening doors, and a spacious cabin, with seating for five... A spacious boot completes the package.
While details about the engine range remain scarce, it"s expected to include a mix of 1.4-litre diesel and 1.6-litre turbo petrol powerplants. A high performance JCW version has also been promised. Prices will be confirmed, when the car goes on sale next spring.