Spyshots: 2010 MINI Crossman

With the BMW X1 out of the way, it is time to focus our attention onto the next goodie to source from the German Group: the MINI Crossman. We already shown you both spyshots and CGIs of the first MINI SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) and now we are pleased to see the Crossman leaving the test track and heading for the great outdoors.

Unfortunately, despite the "right-next-to-it" close-ups, the Crossman is still wearing that hypnotic, greenish camo which makes the car's features virtually invisible. Still, the stance of the car screams "1 Series meets the MINI."

The MINI SAV boasts a wide track, raised suspensions, larger wheels, increased height and, of course, a ll-wheel drive system. Still, despite this latest feature the Crossman will not be a pure bread off-roader.

Engine-wise, MINI is likely to get the same units as the Cooper and Cooper S: a 1.6-liter L4 configuration that develops 175 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 177 lb.-ft of torque at 1600 rpm. Fitted on the Cooper S, the unit allows the car to make a leap from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, with maximum speed reaching 139.8 mph (225 km/h). Of course, because the Crossman will be bigger, figures will be different.

The four-door vehicle is expected to make its first public appearance this September at the Frankfurt Auto Show, with sales to begin in early 2010. More details are likely to be released this summer, before the start of the show.