4th Generation MINI Hatch Design To be Totally Reimagined
Autocar recently sat down with MINI Chief designer Oliver Heilmer to discuss some wide ranging topics – including the 4th generation MINI hatch.
On the Front Over-hang and Proportions of the Modern MINI:
Heilmer has been open about his desire to shorten the front overhang and go back to R50 and R56 proportions and maximize space in the smallest MINIs. In the interview he was able to provide a bit of detail on how the next hatchback’s space efficiency – and proportions – might improve, with the news that Mini is considering a new type of energy-absorbent foam between the front bumper skin and the crash bar that could potentially reduce the hatch’s much criticised and excessive front overhang.
That the foam is more expensive is an issue, but Heilmer said “everyone is pushing to improve space efficiency”. Of the five-door hatch, which is the bigger seller of the pair, he says that the design team is working to improve its aesthetics “quite a lot”.
Quite a lot is an interesting phrase because it means two things. First Heilmer doesn’t seem to love the current front-end. Second we’re likely going to see a very different looking MINI for the 4th generation car.
On Space Efficiency
He also spoke to efforts being made to improve the space efficiency of Mini’s next three-door hatchback. Heilmer said: “For future architecture, we’re having weekly discussions to improve interior space and reduce the car’s footprint. But it’s not solved yet. Maybe next year.” He also noted that the “development cost is also an issue”.
“It’s not necessarily the internal combustion engine that needs the space – even with an EV (which has a smaller motor) you still need a crash box,” Heilmer continued, referring to the progressively deformable and substantial structure around the powertrain. “Crash performance is the bigger issue.”
“The footprint is most crucial with the hatch,” he said. “Size is less of a problem with the other models.”
Changing MINIs Iconic Design Features
Heilmer dropped a bit of a bomb when it mentioned that the design team has also been reconsidering the Mini’s “iconic features”. “The face recognition is very important, but the tail-lights may not stay iconic. We’ve got to be proactive, not reactive.”
That last quote seems to open up a lot of opportunities.
On the MINI’s Clamshell Hood
“The clamshell bonnet is not necessarily a must-have”
On the MINI’s use of Toggle Switches
“They’re good on the hatch, less so on the others perhaps,” Does that mean we’ll see the hatch remain more retro focused and the larger MINIs become less dependent on those classic touches?
<p>I don’t mind the changes as long as it’s instantly recognizable as a MINI. But, with a new 10 year generation plan, if it’s not good, we have to live with it for awhile.</p>
<p>as somebody that only started paying attention to the MINI brand with the release of the f56, i have some serious concerns here.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>front overhangs – i would argue the front overhangs are non-issue i feel the actually help the car look more balanced. the longer hood make the car look more muscular.</p></li>
<li><p>the clamshell hood – its distinctly MINI and makes the car look more premium IMO.</p></li>
<li><p>toggle switches – again another unique interior feature that people comment on whenever they ride in my f54.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>all for greater space efficiency here, but theres no need to reinvent the wheel.</p>
<p>i see no mention of some of MINI weakest points, in particular the incredibly cheap feeling and looking gauge cluster and lack of full screen carplay.</p>
<p>Agreed. CarPlay should be updated when MINI gets their own version of iDrive 7. And a fully digital garage cluster is likely coming for the next generation.</p>
<p>I agree with 2 and 3, but for me the front overhang in profile absolutely kills the proportions of the car. In addition to that the lower front bumper treatment on the S and JCW models makes it even more pronounced. The clamshell hood on the R models was fantastic since they incorporated the headlights. The first time I saw an F56 with the hood open, and those two gaping holes in the bonnet, I thought it looked just silly.</p>
<p>If MINI design gets back on track I’ll be first in line with cash in hand.</p>
<p>So “Carplay” is what makes a car for you? No offence you know you can do everything that you can do with Carplay with just your phone, you know the one people pay over a G for with the large screen.</p>
<p>Funny thing is that I saw a commercial for Toyota yesterday, where they where touting that they were “Better than” Honda, cause “carplay” cost an extra 2Grand to get it on Honda.</p>
<p>As a previous owner of a 2015 Countryman S All4 and a 2017 Clubman S All4, I for one MUCH PREFER the Clubman S All4! There is ONLY ONE thing that I would wish for a change as far as design is concerned, and that is to raise the ground clearance by a minimum of 3 inches…sure it would to some degree alter handling, but such a change applied for us folks that drive in places and to places where deep snow is a regular occurrence would make the Dear Clubman a truly practical vehicle in all ways…</p>
<p>Am really excited to read this. I think the overhang is brutal and the brand lost its way. So this gives me hope.</p>
<p>And I’m okay with BMW doing something radical because I believe they have nothing to lose. The ‘56 is on life support.</p>