Austria, famed for giving the World Arnie, Mozart, and Ferdinand Porsche at the head of the line to bring us a new MINI variant?

There’s lots of rumours and stories around at the moment about the future direction(s) the MINI brand may take. Lots of information tallies, and lots of it, as there’s plenty of crystal ball gazing taking place, just doesn’t figure at all. So we thought we’d add a little to the confusion.

Recently we received word that MINI is well advanced in it’s plans to produce the previously rumoured “MINI SUV” or “Colorado”, and the favoured candidate for the production location is Magna Steyr, in Graz. Magna Steyr currently produce the BMW X3, and also carried out development work for that vehicle.

“Test mule” MINIs have been spotted near the plant already, leading people to believe that Magna Steyr may have been working together with BMW on development of the 4WD MINI, and it seems that due to production capacity, as well as logistical reasons, Magna is by far the favoured production facility for the next new MINI.

Rumour suggests the car will be a sort of “Soft Roader” MINI, which will help further broaden the appeal of the MINI range. The styling is said to be more bullish and aggressive than the current second generation MINI. The idea appears to be to build in a bit more toughness in to the relatively cutesy MINI look. So this will be a bigger, more aggressive MINI with off-road ambitions. And it’s going to keep the “MINI” theme. Tough job for both the designers and engineers, but if they pull it off it could be a big hit. Which is just as well, as production forecasts are for as many as 80,000 vehicles a year.