Mini may be putting the finishing touches on the next-generation three-door hatchback. Our photographer spied testing the camouflaged prototype in winter conditions in Sweden and we can see the vehicle appears to have its production headlights on front and rear. The yellow-black camouflage covers the entire car, not letting us get a closer look at some of the exterior details.
Initially, it was believed the next-generation combustion-powered Mini hatch would differ from its electric cousin in terms of rear end design. However, new intel from within the company claims the two vehicles will share an identical design at the rear. There’s not much to say about the rest of the exterior as so far this isn’t the first new Mini prototype we’ve seen – and we know it will represent an evolution of the outgoing model in terms of design.
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The same strategy also applies to the basics. The overhauled Mini will use a heavily modified version of the current car’s UKL1 platform. Even so, the hardtop model will be slightly longer and wider than the model currently available at dealers. The wider track and longer wheelbase will be complemented by larger wheels.
Mini combustion and electricity will continue to exist at the same time. In fact, every new ICE-powered Mini will feature some form of electrification, at least a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain. The Mini EV, in turn, will be very similar to its fossil brethren but will use a dedicated electric platform. We’ve heard speculation that there will be two EV variants – a base Cooper with a smaller battery for under 200 miles (322 kilometers). On top of that, the electric S can offer 200 hp (149 kilowatts) and a range of close to 250 miles (402 km).
We expect to see a new Hardtop Mini towards the middle of this year. A new convertible has been confirmed, although it won’t arrive before 2025. As for the three-door hatchback, we hope to see it in the United States for the 2023 or 2024 model year.
