Auto Express has an interesting article on the upcoming 4×4 MINI “Crossman”. If anything, you should check it out just for the photoshopped image of the vehicle. I will say that 4 doors on a MINI are very appealing to me if I am ever to convince my wife of ditching the “mini”-van. While it may never be the off-road vehicle that some thought, it should still be a hoot to drive:

The dashboard and all other interior detailing will be carried over from the Clubman. But the question on the lips of all MINI fans is: will the latest MINI be a proper off-roader, like the Land Rover Freelander?

Not really. The SUV will be biased towards on-road use, and won’t sacrifice the agile, driver-pleasing hand-ling for which MINI has become famous. Nevertheless, there will be a full-time four-wheel-drive system, said to have been developed by transmission expert Getrag. Add in the raised ride height, and the car will be reasonably capable over rough terrain – easily rugged enough for most buyers.

[ Full article @ Auto Express ]