MINI Cargo panel van set for Geneva show debut
MINI is set to unveil a MINI Cargo panel-van-style two-seat vehicle at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March. The new variant will expand upon the now-six vehicle MINI line-up.
The new MINI Cargo will be based on the MINI Clubman wagon, only instead of second row seating, it's set to feature an extended flat loading space all the way to the rear barn-style doors. The side rear windows will also be replaced by sheet metal to finish off the panel van theme.
Under the bonnet, the MINI Cargo is expected to be powered by the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, also found in the current MINI Cooper D. The fuel-efficient engine is matched to a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic 2.0-litre petrol could also be on the cards.
Unlike many of the other all-new MINI vehicles that are being released lately, the Cargo will be more recognisable to fans of the original Mini, and the Austin Mini Van.
Delivery vehicles like the Citroen Berlingo and the Volkswagen Caddy are highly popular in Europe where compact mobility is a priority, and the MINI Cargo appears set to rival these vans. The MINI Cargo will not be sold in Australia, however.
We'll have to wait until the Geneva show for official details. The show starts on March 8. What do you think? Would you like to see MINI bring back the panel van?
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