The new Mini's first concept car since its 2001 launch proved a big hit for the world's news media at its Frankfurt auto show unveiling this week - it's the minivan reborn.
The Mini Concept Frankfurt provided early hints of a future derivative with a longer wheelbase, more practical storage and access solutions and "bespoke" interiors and exterior styling cues.
Part of Mini's success has been based on its instantly recognisable styling, its maker says, but it has been details such as headlights, instruments, switches and roof decals that have set it apart.
The concept Mini's character is emphasised by retractable aluminium headlights, air vents that turn into cup holders and a central navigation screen that flips round to be replaced by a Jules Verne-style globe.
As a respectable nod to the past, but combined with 21st Century design technology, the lack of a B-pillar allows the rear passengers to be serviced with windows that slide back rather than down and practicality is addressed by a back window that electronically drops and lifts and front seats that pivot to swing round rather than tip to let in rear passengers.
Andy Hearn, Mini UK's general manager said: "The car has proved a big hit at the show; the Mini's success over the past four years has shown us that it has the potential to expand its range while retaining the much-loved Mini traits - a great drive and instant charm.
"If we build a version of the Frankfurt show car I would fully expect it to contribute to yet more record sales for Mini."
The new Mini was launched in July 2001 with the Mini One and Cooper hatch models.
The Mini Cooper S hatch and Mini One D variants followed in 2002 and 2003 and then the convertible came in 2004.
Mini expects to produce a record 200 000 cars from its Oxford, England plant this year.