Mini Riley Sedan
Mini divulged plans in the middle of
last year that the company will be focussing on five core models as a strategic
plan for the future. This will include two versions of the popular Cooper
model, the three-door and five-door hatchback whilst the other three making up
the list in the current product line-up are the new Clubman and its convertible
version alongside the next generation of the Countryman scheduled to grace
international showrooms later this year. Putting significance on the fifth
model, the British auto manufacturer’s plans were left for anybody’s guess
right now.
The Paceman, which endured a very short
life-span, is the most unlikely to be revived but the reports emerged on the
internet indicates the final and fifth production model will be a sedan. To the
joy of the Mini enthusiasts, this meant that the Riley nameplate will be
resurrected from the ashes. The rendered images from Theophilus Chin will give
you some idea of what the sedan might look like. Going back in history, Mini
introduced the Riley Elf and the Wolseley Hornet sedans in 1961 as more premium
and hardcore versions of the iconic original hatchback. Even though information
about the existence of the sedan with Riley moniker are currently left only for
speculations, there’s definitely a sedan model in the pipeline which will
adhere to the newest design language and next logical evolution for the vibrant
British brand owned by BMW according to AutoCarUK.
The company believes that having the sedan roots in its early days would be a
big boost as the customers would have known of its history. But it doesn’t
necessary mean that it will be a huge volume seller. For example, the premium
sedan segment in Asian and American markets have huge potential but elsewhere
the same cannot be said. If the Mini Riley sedan or be it with any moniker
comes into reality, the part sharing and underpinnings of the Clubman UKL1 are
the right choices said the publication.
The 2,670 mm long wheelbase and bodywork
from the front until the B pillar of the all-wheel-drive Clubman are perfectly
suitable for a sedan. With the expected overall length at 4,300 mm, the Mini
sedan will be the smallest car available to buy in the premium segment if or
when it comes to the fore.
