Mini heads off-road with Beachcomber Concept

Mini's Beachcomber concept is reminiscent of the '60s Mini Moke.

The humble Mini has never been a purpose-built beachgoer, but things may be changing with the announcement of the radical Beachcomber Concept.

Set to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January, the four-seater is described by parent company BMW as a 'brand new type of vehicle'.

Realistically it's not, and it's very reminiscent of the strangest, and ugliest of Minis - the wide-open 1960s Moke - without solid doors, windows and roof, which can be bought as 'soft top' or 'hard top' options.

It still looks distinctly Mini - with the slotted chrome grille and instantly recognisable lights - but with a body towering on long springs in a beefed-up ALL4 all wheel drive system from the upcoming Mini ute, with knobbly run-flat tyres wrapping lightweight off-road rims.

The body structure is designed for strength at optimum weight, with extra reinforcement on A-pillars and the D-pillar bar, and an extra lateral support at the rear.

But is this SUV likely to make it into production? It's a dubious crossover that isn't likely to be rolled out with bargain-basement pricing - and while it looks like it would probably be a laugh on the sand, it's hardly going to be breaking any real off-road ground

- NZ HERALD STAFF