The Toronto Auto Show finished
up at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre last week, and like always, there was a perennial craze to check
out the goods.
If anything, the show’s intrigue was particularly fascinating this year given the auto industry’s recession
bailouts and Toyota’s safety drama. Capturing the hungry hearts and minds of many this week was MINI’s
concept car, the Beachcomber, which made its first Canadian appearance.
MINI says it “crosses borders, enters new dimensions of driving pleasure, and wins over additional target
groups,” and it certainly looks like the Beachcomber would deliver if it were ever put into mass
production.
The Beachcomber Concept is a four-seater with all-wheel drive, raised seats and new suspension technology to
really let the car dominate the roads with ease. But the hatchback-SUV-looking vehicle takes a very nice hint
from a good friend named Jeep: Forget the roof and doors!
The Beachcomber aims to capture the apex of what MINI aims for: “a highly emotional driving experience.” And
of course that doesn’t mean Jack Dawson drowning while Rose cries “Never let go!” emotional; it means
“cruising through town, enjoying rough tracks in the mountains, or breezing along the beach.” (The beach is
what MINI identifies as the car’s most natural surroundings.)
And, in case it does rain, there are lightweight doors and an easy-to-install roof piece.
But ultimately, what draws us in the most is that it looks incredibly fun.
More than ever, though, safety cannot be forgotten. The car’s structure is specifically tailored to absorb
impact energy and minimize the chance of rollover. Plus, the structure is made entirely of high-strength
steel.
Among the nice little extras are: run-flat tires that don’t need a spare, a removable case with lock for
storage (where a spare tire appears to be), extra stereo speakers instead of unneeded air vents and a
fastening system to keep things like your iPod – which can connect to the sound system – secure.
The car would also have luggage compartments in the rear and lots of room for bulky objects. Not to mention,
extra-long objects like kayaks can be put in quite easily through the roof.
Yet, as is the nature of concept cars, there was no word on price or fuel economy. The technology in the car
is so new and expensive right now (around $1 million worth) that only models and key staff were allowed to be
near the car at the auto show.
Nonetheless, the MINI Beachcomber will be like the muscular, bronzed hottie at the beach and there isn’t a
visual more appetizing in the dead of February. For both our own and MINI’s sake, let’s hope this summery
dream becomes reality. •
