2008 Paris Auto Show: Mini Shows Crossover, Says It's Going Smaller in 2012

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PARIS — While we were staring at the Mini Crossover concept at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, one thoughtful question came to mind: Mini cannot get any bigger than this, so what does it plan to do for some future variety?

Inside Line spoke with Mini Global Brand Manager Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, who cleared it all up for us: "While I am working in this job"" Armbrecht told IL, "no Mini will be longer than 4.10 [i.e. 4 meters and 10 centimeters, or 162 inches]." That's exactly the length quoted for the Crossover concept.

Mini technically has four different products at the moment: the Mini hatch, Mini convertible, Mini Clubman, and this 2011 Crossover, which will come out during 2010. "But then what," IL inquired. Armbrecht revealed that the next step would be to look smaller for a car the size of a European minicar, a segment known to the Germans as UKL1, which includes the Volkswagen Polo.

This news makes some sense in light of the agreement between BMW and Fiat to explore synergies in the joint development of such small cars for those two brands — currently rumored to be called the BMW Isetta and the Fiat Topolino. A similarly sized car for the Mini brand for 2012 would only be natural.

"It will need to be a very cute car," Armbrecht assured IL. "And the driving feel would need to remain like a sporty go-kart," he added.

What this means to you: Mini has reached the upper limit and can avoid the troubles Smart had with the Forfour four-door by focusing on a Smart Fortwo rival. — Matt Davis, Correspondent