Mini Crossover Spy Video

Spy video of the upcoming MINI Crossman crossover SUV has been captured during winter road testing in northern Europe. The vehicle, recently confirmed as heading to production, has been caught on camera on another occassion as well.

This will be MINI's fourth model, after the Cooper, its cabrio, and the Clubman. The vehicle has been expected to be roomy enough for four adults. Judging by the video, this appears to be true. The vehicle could be as much as four meters in length (157.5 inches), with new interior design concepts to add more room inside. The crossover will supposedly retain the brand's "go-kart" handling, but we will believe it when we see it.

Coming initially as a front-wheel-drive, BMW will introduce a derivitave version of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the Crossman. The same 1.6-liter engine lineup will be used on the vehicle, which seems somewhat underpowered for a car this size. Rumor has it a new 1.6-liter twin-turbo may eventually be available to counter this opinion. John Cooper Works has not yet agreed to a JCW version of the big MINI.

The MINI Crossman could see its production model debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show. Pricing for the MINI Crossman S could start at $34,000 (€26,500).