Mini announces the Crossover Concept for the Paris Motor Show

It has been a long time since we last heard about the next version of the Mini, the off-roader known until further notice as ‘Crossman’. Mini has just published images of an official render of the prototype it will present at the Parisian event, which will anticipate the final model.

The Crossover Concept is a compact over four metres long with all-wheel drive and five doors, of which the side doors open asymmetrically, since the rear left one is a sliding door as on an MPV, while the right one is conventional.

The individual seats stand out both in the front and rear rows, giving the interior a very distinctive look, although they will most likely be left out of the production version.

Other distinctive details of the Crossover Concept include the absence of a B-pillar on the driver’s side, frameless windows, a folding canvas roof that extends across the whole roof, a multifunction roof rack, and a tailgate with a retractable window and a low loading floor to make loading and unloading easier.

Inside, there is a central divider running from the centre console to the rear, with several recesses for storing objects in both the front and rear rows of seats. But without a doubt, what will attract the most attention is the three-dimensional central instrument display in the shape of a globe, which will control the navigation, communications and entertainment system, as well as display the speedometer.

This globe can be split into two symmetrical halves: one for the driver and another for the passengers, visible only from their respective seats. This allows, for example, the front passenger to browse the internet without disturbing the driver.

The globe also serves as the car’s ignition system: a spherical key is inserted into its corresponding slot and, after pressing a button, the engine starts. It is switched off by pressing the button again, after which the key is removed.

The production version of the Mini off-roader is expected to be unveiled in early 2009, possibly at the Detroit Motor Show.

Via | Motor Authority