And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time before I lose this earworm, thanks to the folks at Bavarian Motor Works. But despite its puzzling moniker (perhaps referring to its quest for space, which it doesn’t have much of, the latest creation from MINI represents a return to its diminutive roots, while at the same time displaying some technological advances that promise good things in Minis to come.
Unlike recent models, which were expanding towards MINI-Maximus, the Rocketman is a hatchback measuring only 3.2 metres from tip to tail – only marginally larger than the original. Designed as an urban runabout, the Rocketman’s small wheelbase makes it ideal for navigating Europe’s tight and bustling cities – its primary target market. An ingenious set of double doors pivots outwards – taking their sills with them. These doors not only ease entry and exit, but also reduce protrusion into roadways and parking lots. A complex design – but one that works so well we can be optimistic about its inclusion in the future MINI lineup.
While still maintaining the bug-eyed cuteness that has gained the MINI legions of fans over the last 50 years, the Rocketman’s design takes those elements and reshapes them into a more modern interpretation of the well-loved image. The more stylized and pronounced front hood wings top LED-ringed headlamps that have seemingly become de rigueur for all premium European brands. New grille and driving lights come together to form a single, integrated unit.
The conscientious use of limited space carries over to the cabin, whose width provides adequate room for the front passengers and one rear occupant, which is accessed by sliding the front passenger seat forward. A fourth (small) passenger could be accommodated in a pinch by a very basic perch behind the driver. There’s no wasted space - cargo can be stowed beneath the seats using an easily accessible drawer.
The MINI’s cockpit has always been playfully futuristic, but the Rocketman concept takes it a step further: the steering wheel features a centre-mounted track ball in lieu of functionality buttons, and a joystick protrudes from the centre console to control infotainment functions. The comically large centre dial remains, but instead of the giant “weigh-scale” gauge, there’s a touch-screen to access satellite, navigation, and internet systems.
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |
Unlike recent models, which were expanding towards MINI-Maximus, the Rocketman is a hatchback measuring only 3.2 metres from tip to tail – only marginally larger than the original. Designed as an urban runabout, the Rocketman’s small wheelbase makes it ideal for navigating Europe’s tight and bustling cities – its primary target market. An ingenious set of double doors pivots outwards – taking their sills with them. These doors not only ease entry and exit, but also reduce protrusion into roadways and parking lots. A complex design – but one that works so well we can be optimistic about its inclusion in the future MINI lineup.
While still maintaining the bug-eyed cuteness that has gained the MINI legions of fans over the last 50 years, the Rocketman’s design takes those elements and reshapes them into a more modern interpretation of the well-loved image. The more stylized and pronounced front hood wings top LED-ringed headlamps that have seemingly become de rigueur for all premium European brands. New grille and driving lights come together to form a single, integrated unit.
The conscientious use of limited space carries over to the cabin, whose width provides adequate room for the front passengers and one rear occupant, which is accessed by sliding the front passenger seat forward. A fourth (small) passenger could be accommodated in a pinch by a very basic perch behind the driver. There’s no wasted space - cargo can be stowed beneath the seats using an easily accessible drawer.
The MINI’s cockpit has always been playfully futuristic, but the Rocketman concept takes it a step further: the steering wheel features a centre-mounted track ball in lieu of functionality buttons, and a joystick protrudes from the centre console to control infotainment functions. The comically large centre dial remains, but instead of the giant “weigh-scale” gauge, there’s a touch-screen to access satellite, navigation, and internet systems.
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |