2010 Detroit Auto Show: MINI Beachcomber Concept

Any show car that's lacking doors and ready for surf-and-sand - as is the case with MINI's Beachcomber Concept - is an easy pick as OnCars Most Fun car from the North American International Auto Show.

Previewing the upcoming MINI Countryman crossover - photos and details of which have now been released - the Beachcomber wears a thin disguise consisting of off-road tires and the usual show-car details that include funky mirrors and a lack of doors.

The open interior invites you in, where you'll find more show-car appropriate features such as a liquid-sprung compass, an artificial-horizon gauge and speakers in place of air vents. One feature that appears conceptual, but will make production, is the Center Rail, which divides the four passengers and offers a variety of attachments such as cup holders and all sorts of adapters for MP3 players and other devices.

Look beyond the open cabin, however, and the Beachcomber reveals its true nature as a precursor to the Countryman. Most significantly for the MINI brand, the Beachcomber Concept and its upcoming production sibling sport MINI's first all-wheel drive system. Called ALL4 all-wheel drive, the system splits torque 50:50 during normal driving, but is capable of sending 100 percent of the drive to the rear axle if conditions call for it. Not only will the system endow the little crossover with excellent traction, but it should also expand on MINI's outstanding traditional handling envelope.

Featuring all the typical MINI styling cues, from the short front and rear overhangs that contribute to the compact proportions, to the wide stance accentuated by pronounced wheel arches, to the wrap-around window graphics, the Beachcomber's styling is very MINI appropriate. Even the near-vertical evolution of the corporate grille and the larger wrap-around headlights and vertical taillight clusters work well and all speak the MINI's design language. With the more conventional production Countryman set to offer up many of the Beachcomber's unique features, MINI will soon know if buyers who've wanted more space and versatility will speak MINI as well.

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