Mini to introduce six new models over the next four years: report

Mini has been expanding its line-up rather rapidly over the past four years, introducing the Clubman, Countryman, and more recently the new Coupe and Roadster.

Over the next four years the company will release six new models, including the all-new version of its core model, the Mini Cooper hatch.

The first to be launched, according to CAR magazine's "reliable sources", will be a production version of the Mini Paceman Concept, first unveiled at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (pictured).

The Paceman will be like a coupe version of the jumped up Mini Countryman. It will offer SUV versatility, matched with the sportiness of the new Coupe.

Next up, Mini is set to introduce the all-new 2013 (F56) Mini Cooper. The model will showcase a new face and various new styling highlights inside and out, but perhaps more importantly, it is set to be the first Mini to feature a platform which will also be shared on future BMW products.

This new platform is expected to sprout a number of four-door variants too, as opposed to the mostly two-door line-up it offers today.

Kicking things off will be a new five-door hatch, set for a 2014 release. It will be like the conventional Mini Cooper in every way, except it will feature five doors instead of three. It will compete in the market against vehicles such as the Audi A1.

About one year later, Mini will introduce the new Clubman. The major change expected, apart from it being underpinned by the new platform, will be the introduction of four doors - the current Clubman comes with three. Essentially, it will be a conventional wagon competing in the market with vehicles like the Audi A3 Sportback.

In 2016, CAR says Mini is set to introduce two all-new models; a sedan and a Sportvan. The Sportvan will reportedly feature a longer wheelbase than the Clubman, and feature five seats. Reports say it will offer an MPV theme with a focus on cargo space, while maintaining a low-profile Mini character.

In the same year, Mini will introduce a sedan version of the new Mini. It's understood it will be based on the upcoming BMW 1 Series 'NES' (New Entry Sedan), set for the Chinese market.

Power for all models will come from a range of new three-cylinder turbocharged BMW engines. The engines will be shared in a range of new BMW products as well.