MINI have revealed this new concept in compact towing. Sadly it will not go into production but is a showcase for possibilities. A great shame though because this would be the perfect addition for our Cooper S Clubman.

 The MINI Cowley: a new style benchmark in compact towing

The pleasure that millions of caravanners around the world enjoy is the ability to stop and stay anyway in comfort and safety. Now it’s possible to do that MINI-style with the Cowley caravan.

The compact tourer has been named after the historic factory – today known as Plant Oxford – which is home to much of the current MINI range. It was also where the classic BMC/Austin Mini was built and is this year celebrating a centenary of car manufacturing.

The Cowley caravan is a luxurious overnight solution and all the mod cons are fitted, including two comfortable sleeping berths, a twin-burner gas stove and a water tank complete with pump and sink facility. A solar module charges the on-board battery and there’s a 230-volt connection to power the fridge, TV/DVD and audio equipment.

 Styled with typical MINI flair, the teardrop-shaped trailer is a genuine head-turner. In silhouette it’s reminiscent of the curved lines of the MINI panels, and the doors have sliding windows on both sides – a standard feature in the classic Mini up to 1969. The sumptuously trimmed veehicle is only 12 centimetres wider than a MINI Clubman including exterior mirrors and weighs just under 300 kg.

With exceptional manoeuvrability, the MINI Cowley ensures that the hallmark MINI driving fun can still be enjoyed while towing, irrespective of the distance travelled.