The third-generation Mini will be available as a plug-in hybrid, Autocar has learned.
That's according to BMW, contrary to earlier suggestions that electrification would be confined to the Mini’s BMW 1-series sister car.
Mini boss Peter Schwarzenbauer said the new model would “definitely” get a plug-in hybrid option. However, a pure-electric version of the car was still “under investigation”.
Schwarzenbauer, who was speaking to industry journal ANE, also revealed that BMW “had in mind” between eight and 10 variants for the Mk3 Mini line-up, more than today’s seven-model line-up.
It’s possible that not all of today’s Minis will be directly replaced.
The 2014 Mini is expected to make its debut towards the end of the year, and forms the first of 11 new Mini models and up to 12 BMWs that will be spun off the firm's new UKL1 platform.
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Battery location?
There's not much space in a MINI. Where would the battery go, in the boot?
Forgot ....
Is MINI intending to introduce the hybrid version now with the new Mark 3 in early 2014 or are we going to have to wait a year or two ? Does anyone know ?
What sort of price .......
What sort of price are BMW likely to set for this technology ? I imagine it might be quite high given the prices they charge for most of the upper-end technology on MINIs.
I think most hybrids are automatic simply because the manufacturer can make them more efficient by not leaving the gear changing to the driver, thus cutting out excessive revs and so on. In any case as most MINIs are probably driven in urban situations, having an automatic makes life a lot easier and more relaxing for the driver.