Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI won’t go bigger than Countryman

Forget MPVs or larger SUVs, MINI has no plans to build anything bigger than the Countryman

The new MINI family might be larger model-for-model than the outgoing range, but it won’t include anything bigger than the Countryman, according to chief designer Anders Warming. There had been rumours of a seven-seater MINI MPV in the product plan, but not anymore. “We won’t build anything bigger than the Countryman, not at this moment,” Warming told us. “You should be able to park a MINI in a city, so a Countryman or this new Clubman is as big as it should be.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Geneva Motor Show 2014: live  

Warming was keen to point out that the Clubman has grown significantly over the “Polo-sized” outgoing car and was now in the “Golf segment.” The Clubman concept, revealed at the Geneva show is in fact 260mm longer and 187mm wider than its predecessor, and wider and longer (with a longer wheelbase) than the new hatch too, thanks to the flexible new UKL1 platform shared with BMW. MINI is entering into a phase of “focusing more on the individual characters of the cars, so whether there’s five, six or seven different models, each will tell it’s own story,” according to Warming. At the other end of the range, the MINI Rocketman concept is still a hot topic of debate and has yet to be ruled out. “At this point we’re still investigating it, it’s still an emotional topic for us,” Warming revealed. “We’re happy with the reception the Rocketman got but we still have to make ends meet on that one – it’s a numbers game. We’ll have to get back to you on that one.” 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025: every new car A to Z
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025: every new car A to Z

This year’s event promises plenty of highlights. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News
11 Jul 2025
Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own
Best classic cars - July 25

Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own

These are our favourite classic cars, from British beauties to V8-engined beasts
Best cars & vans
8 Jul 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
Mini vs MINI vs MINI Cooper: the evolution of Britain's small car icon
Mini vs MINI vs MINI Cooper - header

Mini vs MINI vs MINI Cooper: the evolution of Britain's small car icon

For 66 years, the Mini – now MINI – has wowed car buyers with its cute looks and engaging handling. We see how this British icon has evolved
Car group tests
19 Apr 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025