The MINI Superleggera concept was very well received by both the automotive press and prospective punters around the world. People undoubtedly liked its more stylish than usual look and the promise that it drives as well as or better than what we’re used to from a MINI – it’s a promising combination.

Now, Car Magazine tells us the project “is go!” with an expected market debut believed to be in early 2018.

Looks-wise, we’re told to expect a very similar design to that of the concept, with some alterations that concepts undergo before they enter production. It will be underpinned by the same platform that allows for both front- and all-wheel drive variants to be created.

If you’re wondering why MINI is creating this model, well, it’s because it’s discontinuing many of its others: the Paceman, the Roadster and that back-to-front baseball cap on wheels, the Coupe, won’t be replaced by new models.

We’re enticed by the production prospects and think we’ll have some nice duels between this new MINI Roadster, the Mazda MX-5 and other sporty, open-top cars that will be released in the meantime.

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