The change would allow the brand to have two crossovers of differing sizes in its range.

The next-generation Mini Clubman could grow up, literally, to become the brand's second crossover model.

Oliver Heilmer, Mini's head of design, hinted as much in an interview with Autocar.

The move to a range with two crossover models is being driven by the US market, where the current Countryman's slow sales are being blamed on its small size.

If this plan were to come into effect, it's not clear how Mini will realign its nameplates. It's possible the Countryman will grow and move into the next class up, while the new Clubman would be around the same length as today's car but with added height and suspension travel.

As it stands today, the Countryman and Clubman share the same wheelbase, with the Clubman being 38mm shorter from head to tail. The key difference, though, is height – the Clubman has a roof that's 117mm closer to the ground.