BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
8471 photos
43 videos
and MiniMINI (BMW)Germany, 2000 > present15 models
2211 photos
7 videos
are becoming the masters of taking a platform and creating endless variants on it. The latest is an MPV version using the same platform as the next generation Mini CountrymanMINI (BMW) Countryman Gen.1 [R60]Germany, 2010 > present54 versions
127 photos
and BMW X1BMW X1Germany, 2009 > present51 versions
110 photos
that might be called the Spacebox. 

The MPV version would allow Mini to make the Countryman become a more off-road-able SUV, and the Spacebox would be a more family-friendly vehicle. It will also mean that BMW will have the Spacebox, Countryman and X1 sitting on the same platform but with different styling. 

The new platform is called the UKL and will be the underpinning for several of BMW's introductory models including the Mini, 1-Series GT and X1. The first UKL-based vehicles will be shown at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September. 

Source: Autocar