Mini May Prune Its Lineup

BMW AG's Mini unit may drop some vehicles in its portfolio and focus on fewer but more clearly defined models, according to the unit's product management chief.

Oliver Friedmann tells Automotive News Europe the three models likely to disappear are the Paceman two-door sport coupe and the oddly styled Mini Coupe and its Roadster convertible iteration.

Friedmann describes the original Mini Hardtop and the Countryman mini-SUV the brand's two best-sellers as "pillars" that will continue. He tells ANE a likely third candidate for pillar status is the larger five-door Clubman concept unveiled at the Geneva auto show last week.

ANE notes that, in Europe at least, the Hardtop and Countryman outsell the other three models by a factor of six or more.

Friedmann's philosophy appear to reverse earlier media reports that the Mini brand could expand to as many as 10 models by 2015.

All third-generation Minis are migrating to BMW's new "UKL1" front-drive platform, beginning with the updated Hardtop being introduced now. The same chassis also is expected to carry at least five BMW-branded small models.

The new Mini Hardtop is about four inches longer, two inches wider and one-quarter-inch taller and more aerodynamic than its predecessor. The three-door hatch is lighter and features a revised suspension and greater structural rigidity.

The new lineup offers more options, including LED exterior lighting front and rear, a head-up display, 8.8-inch color center stack display, drive mode selector, park assist, rearview camera, active cruise control and road sign detection system.

The updated model introduces as standard an all-new 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged, 136-hp powerplant. The revised 4-cylinder engine for the Cooper S delivers 192 hp. Outside North America, Minis also will be available with a 3-cylinder diesel rated at 116 hp.