The images you see here are just part of a sequence of photographs acquired by French publication L’Automobile Magazine which appear to reveal both the interior and exterior of a prototype design model for the future genration MINI hatchback.
New MINI followers and fans will instantly see a number of changes that while by no means radical in the context of the car design world, represent a bold move forward from the MINI design team.
The once huge clamshell bonnet, already scaled back and modified on the current generation MINI has been shrunk further back in the prototype MINI shown here, and would, if this makes production, be the first time a Mini or MINI of any variety has had a bonnet line away from the grille.
The second set of lights at the front of the car appear largely unchanged, but the headlights are glaringly different from both the first and second generation we’re all used to seeing, and in many ways resemble the more aggressive appearance of a concept MINI which came out of BMW’s Design Works USA in 2005 (shown on the right). The headlights rake back around the corners of the MINI, much like the Crossover Concept, and the “eyebrows” certainly lend the car a more aggressive facial expression.
The entire front end of the car appears larger and more “in your face” than the MINI we all know so well, with bolder lines and enlarged features such as the grille and even the MINI badge. Perhaps this is an indication of MINI wanting to move further away from the slightly “cutesy” image of the current car which can lead to some taking the MINI, and the performance versions in particular, less seriously than perhaps they should.
Another shaky image provides a glimpse of the MINI prototype’s interior. Changes inside are more subtle, however it is clear alterations have been made to the oft criticised centre stack and the central speedo, shown here with satellite navigation, has been fettled too.
The image does seem to show the dash top intruding over the top of the central display, which may be of concern to potential buyers, but this could be due to any number of reasons, not least camera angle and lighting.
These photographs are the only we’ve seen of this set online, the paper publication will carry more, and we’re confident these will appear online in no time at all. The full set apparently reveals a more sweeping, coupe style roof line coming downwards to the rear and an overall more sporty and bold design direction for the MINI hatchback.
While it is important to consider these are of course completely unofficial and by no means show a finalised production vehicle, all previous leaks of this nature have been proven to be highly indicative of the finished product. It is safe to say this wont be the last we’ll be seeing of this set of highly revealing photographs over the coming weeks and months.
Tags: 3rd generation, future mini, mini concept, mini prototype, mini spy shots, third generation
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