BMW is mulling a variety of new Mini derivatives that could take the total range to 10 models. Among the versions being considered are a small SUV, a small sports car and a sedan. The brand has just introduced its seventh model to the lineup with the Paceman, a restyled three-door version of the five-door Countryman. Recently appointed Mini brand board member Harald Kreuger says that these models have yet to be decided upon, and that a Mini smaller than the regular hatchback is also a consideration. This idea has already been explored with the 2011 Rocketman concept, although this particular smaller Mini has been abandoned because it was too costly to make, and the challenge of building a more compact, profitable Mini may yet prove insurmountable.
Mini sees the sports car as being in the mold of the original Mazda MX-5 Miata - that should mean small, affordable and a blast to drive. The sedan is considered important for markets like China, where Mini sales are growing quickly and could soon outstrip those in the U.S.
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