MINI constructed its repute on perspective, not extra — a scrappy, small-car swagger that turned unusual commutes into tiny adventures. However because the model grows up and sizes up, an even bigger query looms: what does “enjoyable to drive” appear to be for a MINI in 2025 and past? The model’s “go-kart” dynamics had been as soon as an enthralling stability of usability, packaging, and engagement. However as MINI’s vehicles have swelled in measurement, we’ve to surprise if it isn’t time to alter issues up just a little bit. And we expect rear-wheel drive is the proper technique to do it.
The MINI “Go Kart:” Gone However Not Forgotten?
For almost half a century, MINI’s greatest 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 any case, 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 may, in their very own proper, do a dependable impersonation of a go-kart MINI from the Seventies, measurement and weight are simply the apparent causes the vehicles don’t retain the identical appeal. In an effort to present drivers with enough 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 simple should you add all-wheel drive, however that isn’t precisely true to the go-kart ethos, both. So, with BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles pretty much 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
Despite the fact that 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 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 obligatory concession, bringing enjoyable again to the MINI model in a giant new approach. We’d like to see gasoline fashions observe go well with; in spite of everything, BMW nonetheless has CLAR in 2025. CLAR underpins smaller vehicles like the two Collection Coupe. The recipe has all of the makings for among the greatest scorching hatches ever.
There are some uncertainties. We’re not 100% positive CLAR would scale straight; in spite of everything, the two Coupe remains to be almost 17 inches (43 cm) longer than the modern Cooper. There’s additionally the “heritage” facet that is perhaps powerful to beat; in spite of everything, MINI has been FWD perpetually. However at a sure level, MINI does must resolve between that very particular and literal piece of heritage versus the ethos of the model, which has at all times been to supply immensely pleasing driving dynamics in a city-car sized package deal.
MINI RWD: May it Actually Occur?
Despite the fact that tasks just like the MINI Superleggera flirted with the concept of a special form of MINI, there’s nothing to counsel — but — {that a} RWD MINI venture 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 we’ve 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 new 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!
