MINI has hinted at how its third generation may look in the form of a design concept called MINI Vision. CompleteCar.ie's Dave Humphreys was present for the unveiling of the MINI Vision, which was shown as a virtual 3D hologram.
Exterior
The MINI Vision is instantly recognisable and given the success of the current and previous MINIs it is understandable that the BMW-owned company don't want to stray too far from a formula that clearly seems to work. Most of the main design features such as the signature radiator grille and round headlights receive only minor tweaks meaning that friendly face of the MINI remains. Those headlights are full-LED items and consist of an outer ring functioning as the daytime running light.
Aerodynamics clearly have played a part in shaping the MINI Vision, particularly around the bonnet area, which is more rounded than previous production versions. The rest of the body has seen design touches to help improve airflow around the wheels and down along the rest of the body. The doors feature contour lines along the lower level that also help give a more sporting image to the car.
The wheel arch trim is finished in a contrasting colour and material and is also now more expansive, separating the coloured bodywork of the bonnet and the doors, although it isn't yet clear as to whether this feature will make it all the way to the production version. Other trademark features such as the 'floating roof' carry nice details including a chrome strip that wraps around the top of the body.
Interior
On the inside the MINI Vision gets an all-new design, although it remains very much in keeping with previous iterations. A floating centre console is home to a large circular main display that can now handle a multitude of different operations depending on driver requirement.
A far greater degree of flexibility has been put into the MINI Vision including a 'click system', which allows users to add or remove items such as mobile phone holders, storage boxes, cup holders and even a small safe. The use of fabric straps on the inside of the doors - arranged like the stripes of the Union Jack flag - form additional storage areas while also being a tip of the hat to the MINI's British heritage.
Mechanicals
On the inside the MINI Vision gets an all-new design, although it remains very much in keeping with previous iterations. A floating centre console is home to a large circular main display that can now handle a multitude of different operations depending on driver requirement.
A far greater degree of flexibility has been put into the MINI Vision including a 'click system', which allows users to add or remove items such as mobile phone holders, storage boxes, cup holders and even a small safe. The use of fabric straps on the inside of the doors - arranged like the stripes of the Union Jack flag - form additional storage areas while also being a tip of the hat to the MINI's British heritage.
Anything else?
One other feature of the MINI Vision is the 'MINI Disco' floor, which makes extensive use of ambient lighting in order to change the 'personality' of the car. This can also be influenced by the driving mode that is selected by the driver.