Broadcast
dates : 6th November 2005
12th November 2005
The
main idea of the Mini Concept at Frankfurt was to combine
the tradition of the original Mini Traveller with a sleek,
semi-coupe appearance.
But a key design factor was also easy entry and loading.
This is why the doors have parallelogram hinges.
They swivel
outwards and to the front in one easy movement to give a
wide opening.
The sliding windows are a nod to the original Mini station
wagon.
But with a pillarless configuration these are
electrically operated.
The luggage compartment features a glass-topped load box
lid, or "butler tray".
The glass and hi-tech theme is carried through to the
interior with many components employing a "floating
element" idea, with leather, chrome and aluminium as
the main trim choices.
The floating element theme also extends to a futuristic
swivel instrument pod, that some how still looks
traditional-Mini.
A cool feature on the concept Mini is that the air vent
surrounds fold down to form cup holders – definitely
worthy of a 10 star Hendrik rating in this vital design
area!!!
The air conditioning keeps the drinks cool in summer and the
heater keeps coffee warm in winter.
The entire cockpit has a floaty, surreal feel to it.
There are various innovative fold-down options for the load
area, while the load cover also folds up to separate the
rear seat area from the luggage compartment. Handy for
stashing your compost in this station wagon!
When all is said and done, this could be a Mini with an
ingredient that has always been lacking – rear legroom!
We wonder how many gizmos the production Traveller will have
when it finally arrives.
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