A mini MINI on the way?

Is MINI about to leverage its Toyota connections to finally build a car that lives up to its name? German magazine Automobile is claiming that BMW is about to build its tiniest MINI yet.

The magazine said BMW is about to increase its technology partnership with Toyota to deliver a new MINI Minor by 2018.

Said to be just 3,450mm long, the MINI Minor would be 370mm shorter than the smallest MINI currently available, the MINI three-door hatch, and it would undercut today's entry-level car by €4,000 in Germany.

Toyota would badge its version of the MINI Minor as the Starlet, with both companies expanding their cooperation to deliver petrol, diesel and electric versions of the design.

MINI’s idea for the Minor has gestated from the Rocketman concept car from the 2011 Geneva Motor show and comes as part of a big shake-up for the brand that once knew no boundaries.

Its search for profit means it will discontinue weaker models, such as the Paceman, the Coupe and the Roadster and deliver more volume while striving to remain the premium contender in its segments.

The alliance between BMW and Toyota began as a technical collaboration on diesel engines in 2011.

It quickly grew to include weight-saving, fuel- and battery-cell technologies and already has one joint vehicle architecture on its books with each company set to launch a commonly-based sports car next year.