According to a media report, the entry-level iteration in the Mini line-up of cars is going to be put in production. First displayed in 2011 and named Mini Rocketman, the three-door hatchback is likely to be produced by the parent company’s partner in the orient, Great Wall Motors and the car is expected to be made in Jiangsu, China.
The car was designed by Mini and the original Rocketman was set to rival the Smart ForFour. The car was supposed to share platforms and powertrain with Peugeot, but after talks broke down, the project was halted. With the new partner Great Wall Motors, the plans have been rekindled and the car is likely to see production soon, debut by 2022.
The original Rocketman was planned to be built around three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines but latest reports suggest that the Rocketman could use an all-electric powertrain. Mini recently revealed the Mini Cooper SE an all-electric Mini which is also the first electric car under the Mini brand and the new all-electric Rocketman could further expand the electric car line-up. BMW also has plans to expand its plug-in and all-electric models by the year 2023 and more electric vehicle are likely to be seen coming from the brand.
In terms of design, the car is likely to keep up with the tradition and follow the classic Mini lines in an ultra-compact avatar that is likely to be measured around 3,419mm in length. The car is likely to come with a floating roof design with minimalist interiors and is likely to feature all LED lights. The powertrain could be based on the lines of the new Mini Cooper SE but is likely to be in a less powerful form.
The Mini Rocketman is set to be launched in 2022 for the Chinese as well as global markets and details of the car, which are scarce at the moment, are likely to be revealed in the near future.
