Don’t be fooled by the Tonka toy looks of this development mule spotted on the back of a trailer – underneath the disguise is yet another addition to the growing MINI family.

Due to go on sale next year, the Crossman is a four-wheel drive model although it has been designed to be a soft-roader – or Sports Activity Vehicle as MINI calls it – rather than having any pretense to mud-plugging.

The Crossman is likely to be powered by existing 1.6-litre diesel and petrol engines.

The Crossman will be the first BMW-built MINI to sport four-wheel-drive, and also the first to be built outside of the UK.