Hybrid option planned for Mini 22 | 10 | 2013

THE THIRD-GENERATION MINI — scheduled to make its Scottish debut towards the end of this year — will be available as a plug-in hybrid.

The hybrid, which will see electric power fed direct to the car's rear wheels, is expected to arrive within three years.

The move follows a partnership agreement with PSA Peugeot Citroen which will see the development of hybrid technology for front-wheel drive cars.

Originally it was thought BMW would restrict electrification to the new 1 Series. But the new partnership will ensure the new Mini will include a new hybrid version.

It's yet to be clarified which combustion engine will be used in conjunction with the hybrid technology, though both petrol and diesel would be suitable.

The partnership with PSA follows Peugeot's decision to fit a rear-mounted electric motor, powering the rear wheels, to its 3008 Hybrid 4.

The new generation Mini is also expected to be available in between eight and 10 variants, up from the seven-model line-up of the current car.

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Jim McGill