2010 MINI Crossman SUV: Production Model Gets Conventional Five-Door Layout

2010 MINI Crossman SUV: Production Model Gets Conventional Five-Door Layout

These are the latest spy shots of the new MINI Crossman, expected hit showrooms in early 2010. MINI gave us a preview of its baby SUV model at last year's Paris Motor Show with the Crossover Concept. Our scoop pictures reveal that the production version will lose the prototype's relatively low-slung roof and most importantly, the two asymmetric doors on the driver's side that have been replaced by conventional ones for a more practical five-door layout.

At the rear, MINI has ditched the prototype's huge side-hinged door in favor of a split tailgate similar to the one found on the Clubman.

Though heavily camouflaged with the usual 70's style patterns that we see on most BMW Group prototypes, it is apparent that the concept's gaudy face with the large sweptback headlights will be retained on the production Crossman.

The fourth body variant of the MINI after the classic two-door hatch, the convertible and the estate-like Clubman, is most likely be based on the same architecture as the rest of the range. This mean that it will be powered by the same 1.4 and 1.6-liter petrol and 1.6-liter turbo diesel engines. The difference is that for the first time, MINI will offer the Crossman with both front-wheel and four-wheel drive layouts.

In another first, the Crossman will be built for MINI by Austrian contract manufacturer, Magna Steyr, as the firm's factory in Cowley, England does not have sufficient capacity to handle the production.