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Mini reveals Vision Urbanaut autonomous minivan concept

Written by Nizam Shaikh

MINI has revealed the MINI Vision Urbanaut which is said to be an interpretation of the vision of space in a digital vision vehicle that offers versatility and interior space along with a minimal footprint, boasting on clever use of space. The Urbanaut encompasses the user with sustainable materials, autonomous driving technology and a purely electric drive creating a new experience for the user. 

The Mini Urbanaut calls itself the facilitator of ‘Mini Moments’ – “Chill”, “Wanderlust” and “Vibe” and allows the possibility of a vast range of usage scenarios such as – in the Chill moment you can just pause and relax here and now and becomes a retreat during the journey. The MINI moment where the MINI Vision Urbanaut is being driven or driving with automated driving functions is ‘Wanderlust’ and the Vibe moment is puts time with other people at centre stage. 

On the outside, the futuristic Mini-van Urbanaut features the evolved versions of the headlights and radiator grille with dynamic matrix design headlights, multi-coloured graphics on the rear LED lights, “skateboard wheels“ finished in Ocean Wave colour that is transparent and illuminated from the inside and vary in appearance according to the MINI Moment. The Mini Urbanaut also features MINI Charms that features on the driver’s side C-pillar and offer reminders of places travelled, festivals or other events. 

The Mini Urbanaut features a futuristic single sliding door with a slide and swivel mechanism that enables the door to be relatively compact. On the inside, the Urbanaut reveals four seats with the front seats that can swivel to face the rear seats, the dashboard on the Urbanaut lowers and the seats transform into a day bed. The windshield can also be opened making the front end a balcony. The car also features a “Cosy Corner” in the rear, a quiet area of the car with textile-covered “Loop” that extends over the seat bench featuring backlit lighting. The central section of the car has an open area with a sit-in when the car is stationary. The circular instrument is placed in the table of the car, bringing information to the area where people meet and makes it visible to all.