MINI reportedly working on a four-door sedan

Last year, MINI announced that, beginning with its third generation line up, the brand would rationalise its range down to five core models. Now, a new report from Autocar indicates that this fifth model will most likely be a four-door sedan. If this report turns out to be true, MINI’s five ‘superhero’ models will be: a three-door hatch, a five-door hatch, a hatch-based convertible, the Clubman wagon, and the Countryman SUV.

If and when it is launched, MINI’s four-door sedan could revive the heritage-laced Riley nameplate. You might remember that back in 1961, the Riley Elf and the Wolseley Hornet were two Mini sedans released as more premium versions of the original hatch. The idea of a MINI-badged sedan is controversial today, but executives believe that launching a three-box model will help the BMW-owned brand sell more cars in key markets like China and North America, where the demand for small hatchbacks like the Hardtop is low at best.

Speaking at the New York Motor Show last month, Ralph Mahler, VP of Product Management, told the press that the four-door MINI is a possibility, stating: “For example, in Asia and the US, the sedan segment is very big. This is very interesting to us, of course... The sedan concept is in our history, so we have roots there."

If the reports are to be believed, the MINI Riley will ride on the same front-wheel drive UKL platform as the Hardtop, the Clubman, as well as BMW's 2 Series and X1, among others. It will allegedly stretch roughly 4300mm from bumper to bumper, and it will use the same three- and four-cylinder engines as other members of the MINI lineup. Front-wheel drive will come standard, and all-wheel drive will be offered at an extra cost.

Until recently, MINI has struggled with a convoluted model range of multiple derivatives, and so well-defined vehicles with their own target buyers should broaden the brand’s appeal. The strategy is already working, too, as MINI sold a record 338,466 units worldwide last year. With the introduction of the sedan, that should only improve.