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By EWAN
KENNEDY
21 December 2009
Mini Moke was a huge hit in Australia right from the time it first
hit our roads in 1966, and stayed in production for all of 15
years – an amazing length of time in the automotive business. It
succeeded in our market for two reasons, firstly the fun nature of
this open-air vehicle was perfectly suited to our climate, but
just as importantly it worked here because Australian engineers
tossed out the daft 10-inch diameter wheels of the Pommie original
and fitted much more sensible 13-inch wheels to local models.
Now, MINI, the new company that's run by BMW, has developed a
radical concept car that may see a latter day revival of the Moke.
The open-body four-seater has been tagged MINI Beachcomber –
great name! It's to go on public display for the first time at the
North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) that runs between
16 and 24 January 2010 in Detroit.
This may be just the sort of vehicle to finally lift the
automotive world out of the doom and gloom created by the global
financial crisis. Because surely no one but the most boring of
wowsers could find fault in this pretty little fun machine with
its economical powerplant. The New Moke – a name that sounds
just as good as Beachcomber Concept to us – would use the
drivetrain from the pending MINI compact SUV.
“If the MINI Beachcomber Concept did eventuate I think it would
be very well suited to the Australian landscape and way of life,
especially given our propensity for coastal living and appetite
for adventure, leisure and fun,” said MINI’s Australian
manager, Justin Hocevar.
The plan is that the MINI Beachcomber Concept can be used every
day, even in adverse weather conditions. The concept vehicle
is comes with a soft roof as well as lightweight doors that can be
fitted easily and conveniently within minutes.
Measuring approximately four metres in length the MINI Beachcomber
Concept is said to have high levels of safety thanks to its robust
structure.
Once again MINI has created a new way of enjoying driving pleasure
by expanding the model range and previewing unconventional design.
Let's hope it succeeds and we see this fun machine on Australian
roads within the next two to three years.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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