All-new bigger MINI to take aim at Golf
Auto Express|November 09, 2022
EXCLUSIVE MINI boss reveals larger new models with sales expansion in mind
Steve Fowler
All-new bigger MINI to take aim at Golf
  • New MINI boss hints at plans to build rival to Volkswagen Golf
  • Both petrol and fully electric powertrains are being planned

MINI'S boss Stefanie Wurst could well included a more direct rival for the Volkswagen Golf, Auto Express can reveal, and our exclusive images show how it might look.

Already confirmed are new three and five-door Cooper hatchbacks, plus a convertible version, the new Aceman crossover (see P.8), which Wurst described as a "gamified concept", and a bigger Countryman.

Speaking to Auto Express, Wurst said: "We have a small and flat car [Cooper], we have small and high [Aceman] and we have large and high [Countryman].

"But we don't have large and flat. Another body type is feasible. I'm a big fan of analyzing different body types."

MINI insiders revealed to Auto Express that a 'VW Golf-sized' model was in the brand's thinking, but Wurst didn't rule out a production version of the Urbanaut concept (as exclusively revealed by Auto Express in issue 1,702). However, clearly a 'lower roofed Countryman' model to rival more conventional family hatches is something Wurst is considering, too. She made no mention of a replacement for the Clubman, though, despite that car previously being touted as a potential Golf rival.

A MINI 'Golf could also help the brand's plans for growth in the US - something the larger Countryman SUV will also aid. "Countryman will be a very good car for the US," she told us. That's because it's set to grow significantly in size, with the all-electric Aceman below it in MINI's line-up.

This story is from the November 09, 2022 edition of Auto Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 09, 2022 edition of Auto Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUTO EXPRESSView All
PERFORMANCE review
Auto Express

PERFORMANCE review

Updates have transformed the Audi RS 4 before it bows out for good, but can it beat the BMW M3 Touring?

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Pick of the Porsches
Auto Express

Pick of the Porsches

In its 75 years, Porsche has built some of the most iconic cars ever. We look at the best

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
The rebirth of cool
Auto Express

The rebirth of cool

Octavia has been the standard-bearer of Skoda's renaissance for 25 years. We mark that milestone by looking at four generations of the popular car

time-read
9 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Evolution in action
Auto Express

Evolution in action

As the Peugeot 205 turns 40, we look at how this most iconic of French superminis has influenced the brand's latest small car

time-read
6 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Volkswagen T-Cross
Auto Express

Volkswagen T-Cross

FIRST DRIVE Updates focus on boosting compact SUV's quality

time-read
3 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Vauxhall Astra ST Electric
Auto Express

Vauxhall Astra ST Electric

FIRST DRIVE Estate version of electric family car comes with space to spare

time-read
3 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
Smart #3
Auto Express

Smart #3

FIRST DRIVE Has Smart righted the 1’s wrongs with the latest addition to its range?

time-read
4 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
BEAVER TOWN
Auto Express

BEAVER TOWN

When Citroen said it was supporting a scheme to rewild beavers in West London wetlands, we were eager to gnaw how it would work

time-read
3 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
HOUSE OF BUGATTI
Auto Express

HOUSE OF BUGATTI

| Upon his retirement, the man who's shaped all modern Bugattis SI reflects upon his stellar career with the ultimate supercar brand

time-read
5 mins  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)
AMG weaves its magic as Merc reveals faster CLE 53 coupé
Auto Express

AMG weaves its magic as Merc reveals faster CLE 53 coupé

THE new Mercedes CLE coupé is tasked with replacing two-door versions of both the C-Class and E-Class, and the line-up has been bolstered with the arrival of a hot AMG 53 variant.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06 - 13, 2023 (Double Issue)