MINI Rocketman gets green light for production

The latest model from MINI may soon be its best-selling one as there has been an unprecedented demand for compact cars amid stricter emissions standards and rising fuel prices. What this new baby MINI seeks to prove is that drivers don’t need to sacrifice fun and style for low running costs. The ‘mini’ MINI is based on the Rocketman Concept introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in early 2011. As part of the expansion plans, MINI will make a new entry point that will mark the start of a new era.

MINI will also offer a new lineup of three-cylinder engines, the extensive use of lightweight materials, as well as an all-electric version,a ccording to AutoExpress. From these images, the public gets an idea of what the MINI is expected to look. Fans of the 60s model will be glad to see this pint-sized car on the road. Compared to the original, this ‘mini’ MINI is 40cm longer and 50cm wider. Its engineers aim to make the production car no bigger than the concept. MINI is intent on optimizing the space; in fact, it has a 3+1 seating layout like that of the Toyota iQ.

There will be four seats but the seat located at the back of the driver is only suitable for short trips. If more room is required, the instrument cluster can move backwards and forwards with the steering wheel. A feature that is retained from the concept is the dual-function boot, which includes a conventional compartment accessed through a hatch with a drawer-like storage area below it. Another item from MINI that will soon go into production is the centrally mounted ‘Coke can’ exhaust. [via - 4wheelsnews]

MINI Rocketman Concept