Oxford - Last year it was reported that Mini was considering rationalising its range and now it's official that at least two models are being culled.
As was expected, first to go are the quirky Coupé and its two-seat Roadster sibling. Mini is in the process of phasing the pair out, without any indication of replacing them, while the brand instead focuses on keeping up with increasing demand for its recently-launched 5 door model.
The Mini Coupé stood out from the crowd with its strange helmet-shaped roof and Mini wasted no time in flaunting its sporting credentials, originally staging its world premiere at the Nürburgring Nordschleife 24-hour race.
Fittingly, the Coupé was available in potent John Cooper Works guise, sporting a 155kW version of the group's 1.6-litre turbopetrol. The Roadster offered the same powertrain perks, just adding that wind-in-hair appeal.
It is widely speculated that Mini will wind its line-up down to just five models, with the 3 door and 5 door hatchbacks being at the core. Mini is also putting the finishing touches on a new convertible based on the hatch, as well as replacements for the Countryman SUV and Clubman.
It is also believed that the Paceman will be the next Mini to get the chop.
But don't rule out the idea that Mini's range might expand in other directions in future as rumours persist of a smaller mini based on the Rocketman concept and a booted roadster moulded around the Superleggera design study.