It wasn't to inflame the MINI purists to claim it is no longer a MINI. Rather,
Motor Trend spoke with MINI Chief of Design (some say chief apologist) Anders Warming and was left with this impression as it recounts the conversation:
But according to Mini chief of design Anders Warming, the plumped-up car had a few reasons for being: Sure, they think it will likely appeal to a wider audience, especially in the U.S., the company's biggest market. But growing pedestrian-safety and crash requirements also played a role, especially in the length of the car.
He was quick to point out, though, that the car is still shorter than than many other premium small cars.
