MINI will show this pumped-up, off-road, Moke-aping concept at the
Detroit motor show in January. It'll be freezing outside, but MINI doesn't care, hinting at its future SUV with a no-door, no-roof concept that's named Beachcomber. Usually you'll uncover a lot of rubbish when trawling the beach, but MINI's concept reveals a good deal about the forthcoming production car - not least that the firm has produced a four-wheel drive system.
Riding on raised suspension and featuring some under-bumper protection, the Beachcomber's eventual production relative should be pretty useful off-road. The bodywork is heavily revised, with newly designed headlamps framing a grille shaped like that of the original Moke - the grille itself incorporating additional lighting.
Inside the open cabin some of the air vents have been replaced by extra speakers for the stereo, while individual seats feature for all four passengers. Off-road specific instrumentation is included in the show car too, with a compass and artificial horizon gauge positioned alongside the steering wheel.
There's also a 'Center Rail' running through the interior from the front to the back - it getting a second outing in a concept after debuting in the Crossover earlier this year. The Center Rail incorporates wiring for telephone and MP3 connectivity and features accessories to allow you to stow water bottles, sunglasses and even extras like additional interior lights, a compact meal box or a specially made stopwatch. A version of it is possible for production.
When MINI will finally reveal its proper production 4x4 model remains something of a mystery. Rumours suggested it was due in the Spring but it is now anticipated to arrive late in 2010.
Kyle Fortune - 16 Dec 2009