With the introduction of the MINI Cabrio upon us one wonders what MINI has in store next in the MINI line-up. Granted I personally don't believe MINI will be releasing anything new before they bring out the R56 (code name for the next gen MINI) in One, Cooper, and Cooper S form starting around late 2006 and 2007. But let's not allow that stop us from speculating…
Nor does it stop EVO. In their latest edition they revive the four year old MINI Clubman rendering first released to the press before the 2000 Paris Auto Show. They also speculate on the what and when of the stretched MINI:
“The new MINI estate may not be produced by BMW, but that doesn't mean the German firm won't build a load-lugger of its own. These computer-generated images were revealed on the MINI stand at 2000's Paris Motor Show – and as you can see, the car bears a striking resemblance to the Castagna version.
Along with the picture of the estate – dubbed the Clubman – visitors to the event were shown images of a convertible MINI, as well as a pick-up. The Cabrio has already reached the production phase, but it is not yet known whether a flat-bed variant will ever go on sale.”
Of course we've already seen what a independant firm can do in regards to a MINI wagon – it'll be interesting to see whether MINI themselves follow down that same path in terms of design. I would suspect they are thinking pretty hard about adding doors rather than simply stretching the car. Even small, RX8 like doors, would greatly improve the functionality of such a concept.
We've already received strong indications that the car is on the planning boards at MINI however whether the car will sport two or four doors remains to be seen. My money is on four since Dr. Panke, chairman of the BMW Group, mentioned it!
<p>Maybe its just me, but does anyone else think that creating a “MINI Wagon” and “MINI Pick Up Truck” doesnt really fit in with the MINI theme and kinda kills the whole MINI concept? Please dont turn us into PT Cruisers.</p>
<p>I think MINI is (A) trying to capture new markets while keeping true to the driving characteristics that we all love (B) attempting to play off of the Mini's history. </p>
<p>Mini sold a Clubman version for many years and was quite successful. Of course they also sold the Mini Moke – a stripped down offroad four door version of the Mini.</p>
<p>Not at all. If you look at the history of the Mini, you will see that there are all sorts of versions, offical or not, heck, there were even Mini Delivery Vans. Just like the convertible, to ignore the other aspects of the Mini would be foolish, and really, not following with one of the things that made the Mini, a Mini. Me, I can't wait to see what new variants come out. Although, I would be disapointed if there was a SUV MINI. And they can keep away the Clubman style front end also.. (ugh)</p>
<p>I just saw my first MINI Moke yesterday on this site: <a href="http://www.aminivacationinvegas.com/PhotoGallery/default.htm" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.aminivacationinvegas.com/PhotoGallery/default.htm</a> (second pic down, looks like it was a lot of fun.</p>
<p>personally, I would be more interested in the 4 door version with two doors on the boot.</p>
<p>I have said it before….I think it would be a tremendous mistake for BMW to wait until the introduction of the R56 platform to bring out the station wagon (Clubman/Traveller/Countryman)model to the market in a few years time.</p>
<p>We will be the first ones in line to place an order for a 5 door Clubman wagon once MINI announces production. The Castagna aftermarket wagon conversions are interesting but BMW can do a much better production wagon of thier own. I think MINI should offer the Clubman in both 3 and 5 door configurations. It would also be cool to offer the choice of a conventional rear hatch door or double rear dutch door, just like the original.</p>
<p>The current R50/R53 MINIs would be fantastic candidates to host the station wagon body style. The classic Mini Clubman was and is still a rare variant of the Mini. The MINI Clubman will also be a pretty unique car, much in the same fashion the current BMW 325i and 325ix Sportwagons are today (The great majority of 3 series Bimmers are sold as sedans, coupes and convertibles).</p>
<p>My wife and I have agreed to not purchase a Minivan or SUV when the kids arrive. We want a MINI stationwagon will all the fun driving dynamics of the current 3 door MINI hatchback in a more versatile and family friendly package. Imagine a MINI Clubman…the ultimate anti-SUV buster!!!!</p>
<p>C'mmon BMW/MINI and Dr. Helmut Panke….do not wait for the R56 MINI…just look at the increasing offerings of 5 door small hatches and wagons in the marketplace from the competition…the new Mazda 3 5 door hatch comes to mind….</p>
<p>I don't know how well a wagon or pick up would sell as the 3 series wagons are due to hit the chopping block after the release of the new X3.</p>
<p>So so sad – the 3 series wagon is an amazing vehicle. As much if not more usable room than the X3, much more fun to drive and better MPG. Let's hope they bring the next version of the 3 series wagon over here in a few years. Until then I'll gladly hold onto mine :)</p>
<p>I am not to keen on cars with four doors. They always look unbalanced to me for some reason. Almost every car I've ever owned has had two doors. The first car I owned was a moke – it had no doors! I would love to see a new version moke. Now that was truly a road legal go-cart. It was stiff as a board and light as a feather.</p>
<p>I've still got my '60 Countryman, and altho it's under a fitful resto now, we drove it all the time for years, used it for everything. I still find Christmas tree needles every time I vacuum, 🙂 and the barn doors are perfect for loading her up. It's two passenger doors keep the sporting character somewhat, and even tho we kept the 850, it is a blast to drive – it still out-corners most anything on the road. I would buy a re-created one with the present R50/R53 in a heartbeat. A Cooper S Wagon would be sublime! Don't wait BMW, get off the dime!!</p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>This is great feedback for MINI – keep it coming!</p>
<p>In regard to the 325iT, I agree with you, Gabe, it is a great car. Chris loves to commute in it. I can't hardly pry her fingers off the steering wheel if we use it together. She loves that car. She's still first on the Wagon list at Long Beach MINI, tho. 😉 </p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>I think BMW should do it, the mini fans will go absolutely mad!I Would sell my soul for a new age clubman(I've got the 1275E and I love it to bits)</p>
<p>The idea for the clubman doesn't add up. Do BMW remember the mini clubman? I am sure that it had a nice square front, which I cannot see BMW sticking on the front of their version.</p>
<p>In a way I think it is good that BMW are trying to bring the Mini back to life. But they need to simplify. They are trying to re-create a car that was originally made to be simple and cheap. But their making it a luxury expensive car. The need to REALLY re-make the Mini. Sticking to the same great body dimensions and interior. Instead of wasting money on making the car look modern, simply try to improve on the original. BMW should develop a whole new series of Mini Motors like the old A-Series but fix up on all the flaws of the old with todays technology. ‘Mini lovers don’t want a bubble car with a smooth easy ride, they want a perfect Cooper or Clubman for a thrilling drive.’ </p>
<p>I am not a BMW mini fan at all. We have heard it time and time again that BMW is only trying to cash in on the entire mini design. Certain changes to the old mini have destroyed its character. Yes times have changed and nothing stays the same. IF BMW releases a clubman, I will be very disappointed ! Once the restoration of my ’77 Clubby is finished I will stand proud as the owner of an extinct make and model. </p>
<p>Know your history/roots about the car you drive.This really piss me off that people go and buy a BMW and think they have a mini it is not a mini. It is something that BMW think is a mini its a crass way of throwing loads of money at over 45 years of history (Like saying we don,t have a royal famly so lets buy one). The clubman was made to replace the mini but only a few liked it thats why they stoped making it. There are well over 120 driffrent types of real minis made. BMW will never replace the real mini they are trying to buy history. The Moke was designed for the army but had crap ground clearence so was never used by them and did not have 4 doors as writen above. If people really want to buy a rip off its there money but my i suggest they buy a book on the real mini and know the roots of what they are driving.</p>