Is It Time for a Rear-Wheel-Drive MINI? Why the Model’s “Go-Kart” Period Could Be Over

MINI constructed its popularity on angle, not extra — a scrappy, small-car swagger that turned peculiar commutes into tiny adventures. However because the model grows up and sizes up, an even bigger query looms: what does “enjoyable to drive” appear like for a MINI in 2025 and past? The model’s “go-kart” dynamics have been as soon as a captivating steadiness of usability, packaging, and engagement. However as MINI’s automobiles have swelled in measurement, we have now to surprise if it isn’t time to vary issues up a bit bit. And we expect rear-wheel drive is the right solution to do it.

The MINI “Go Kart:” Gone However Not Forgotten?

For practically half a century, MINI’s largest 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. As we speak, 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 beneath 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 Nineteen Seventies, measurement and weight are simply the plain causes the automobiles don’t retain the identical appeal. With a view to present drivers with enough zip, horsepower needed to rise alongside dimensions and poundage. Sadly, even the best-tuned efficiency front-wheel drive autos find yourself with fairly a little bit of torque steer. The MINI Cooper is not any exception. Combating that’s simple if you happen to add all-wheel drive, however that isn’t precisely true to the go-kart ethos, both. So, with BMW’s Neue Klasse automobiles nearly as good as getting into manufacturing, we expect it’s time for MINI to make an enormous shift and go rear-wheel drive.

Rear-Wheel Drive and MINI: an Apparent Match

Though MINI was arguably a bit late to the electrification get together — solely often because the model was such an apparent match for it — all may very well be forgiven with some stable rear-wheel drive fashions. Neue Klasse underpinnings would permit the bigger MINI fashions to deal with and really feel as dynamic as their greater 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 an enormous new method. We’d like to see fuel fashions observe go well with; in any case, BMW nonetheless has CLAR in 2025. CLAR underpins smaller automobiles like the two Sequence Coupe. The recipe has all of the makings for a number of the finest sizzling hatches ever.

There are some uncertainties. We’re not 100% positive CLAR would scale immediately; in any case, the two Coupe continues to be practically 17 inches (43 cm) longer than the up to date Cooper. There’s additionally the “heritage” side that could be powerful to beat; in any case, MINI has been FWD perpetually. However at a sure level, MINI does must determine between that very particular and literal piece of heritage versus the ethos of the model, which has at all times been to offer immensely pleasing driving dynamics in a city-car sized bundle.

MINI RWD: Might it Actually Occur?

Though tasks just like the MINI Superleggera flirted with the concept of a unique type of MINI, there’s nothing to recommend — but — {that a} RWD MINI venture may very well be on the best way. 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 have now to think about it has crossed at the very least just a few minds on the firm. In any case, it’s not like even a low-powered rear-driven MINI would alienate present prospects; and picture the attract efficiency trims would have. The new hatch local weather is arguably extra alive than its ever been, with stable entrants in the best way 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!