Preview of the stretched MINI

Spy images of an elongated MINI have been cropping up over the past couple of weeks, rumored to be a new stretch model with a possible three- or four-door configuration. The car will be styled similarly to the four-door concept version that was first displayed during the last Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW execs are labelling the new car the MINI 'Clubman.'

We’ll have to wait until September’s Frankfurt Motor Show to see what turns out for the final concept version, but until then, this rendering gives us an accurate preview of what to expect. The production version is set to be unveiled at next year’s Detroit Auto Show in January, with sales scheduled to start in September 2008 for Europe and some months after for the US market.

Differentiating the stretched MINI from regular versions, besides the extra doors of course, will be several exclusive colors, include Java Grey, Sand Glow and Hot Chocolate. The headlamps will also be slightly elongated and fit into a higher-positioned bonnet.

Unlike the concept version, the new MINI-stretch will pick up suicide-style rear doors similar to those used on Mazda’s RX-8, which open rearwards for easier access to the rear seats. It has also been reported that the rear door may feature on the passenger side of the car only, with the driver’s door being slightly longer. Either way, the new design addresses the only major complaint of the current model, namely the lack of passenger and storage space. Up top will be an optional twin-sunroof set up with a center console in between, similar to the version used in the Vauxhall Zafira. The car may even get a vertically split tailgate as seen in recent spy images.