MINI “Colorado” SAV Details Emerge

Sections: R60 (Countryman) | Rumor Oct 9th, 2007 72 Comments

For almost a year now we’ve been talking about the MINI SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle – BMW speak for SUV) being potentially built by automotive consortium Magna Steyr. However in the past few days high-paid men in suits have begun talking officially about the arrangement. It would appear that, since we’ve reported previously, think a slightly larger Clubman but rugged, raised and with some attitude.

The Colorado (don’t worry GM, it’s a code-name only) will also feature an optional “smart” AWD system that is designed for efficiency and improved traction more than performance. The concept was conceived as not quite a traditional SUV but more like a MINI with a go anywhere and do anything attitude. Taking a few cues from the classic MINI rally cars of the past combined with a more extroverted character, the Colorado is being developed with the US market squarely in mind.

One thing that we do know, the Colorado will not be the track day warrior the MINI community has been clamoring for in an AWD model. And don’t expect this model to have a true made in England pedigree either considering the likely Austrian production location. But what we can expect is a connection (albeit somewhat weak) with true Mini heritage and a potentially large (and untapped by MINI) market segment.

According to Automotive News (sub. required), look for Magna Steyr to start MINI SAV production in the latter half of 2010. Expects production to reach 80,000 units annually.

Note: We’ve replaced the photoshop rendering (seen elsewhere on the web) of what the MINI SAV could look like to avoid the confusion some readers would have if they don’t read the entire article. And while the image gave the article a nice backdrop, it’s really nothing more than a guess where as the info above is actually from real sources with real insight. The new image is of an early 70′s Mini Moke brochure cover.

Written By: Gabe

Mark (Texas)

MINI isnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t going to take your toy away, theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re just going to make a new toy for people who donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t want to drive in circles

ROFLMAO
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Scarlett O’MINI

Guess my wish for a MINI two-seater isn’t going to come true any time soon. :-(

I’m all for keeping MINI, well, mini.
BrewSwapGuy

MINI is a lifestyle? You buy a MINI to differentiate yourself from other people? Forgive me for my self confidence but I have never purchased a car to differentiate myself from other people. I bought the MINI because it was small, fast, fun and cool (to me). This is hardly a “lifestyle”. I mean really, what has buying the MINI Cooper (S) done for the way you go through your daily life besides providing transportation. I’m well aware of the community aspect but that’s not special to the MINI brand.

There are currently a large number of MINI owners who do not “fit” within the community. It isn’t as if every MINI owner is part of this tight knit family and now with an SAV we’re going to be invaded by a class of people who don’t belong. It’s just a ridiculous notion. Will there be SAV owners who seem out of place with the “typical” MINI owner? Yes! But there are people like that now with Coopers.

MINI is a brand, not a word. This brand does not live and die by specific measurements of how big a car should be. Size really shouldn’t have anything to do with it despite the name MINI. If they put out a high quality top notch car why does it matter what size it is?
Vanwall

Porsche tractors. That’s a fact. MINI 2-seaters. It could happen.
http://www.nemini.org PaulGraz

The sad fact is that SUVs sell in the US right now. And MINI needs to sell product. The market for the current MINI is limited, and they are trying to expand their market share. The underlying business reasons seem sound.

It seems to me that they are targeting Subaru’s audience. Small AWD wagons.

BMW bought this brand how long ago? Almost a decade? They are trying to branch out into areas that Mini never really did. Again, seems like a good goal. Not every product has to have a strong lineage back to the original Morris Minor. Maybe it’s time for MINI to make it’s own mark in the world.

I have no interest in this vehicle personally, but if they can take a “lean & green” appraoach to this – and they can get some Americans to give up on the Hummers and Escalades and Excursions – then more power to ‘em…
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GregW

Did some ask for a MINI Camper Van? Well they already did that with the old one – it was called the Mini Wildgoose – I saw one of these for sale in USA Ebay site about a year ago. check it out; http://jalopnik.com/cars/auctions/chasing-the-wildgoose-motor-minihome-178170.php
Spectre

I personally find the MINI SAV to be an intriguing vehicle. The idea of a jacked up, AWD, 5 door MINI really tickles my fancy…I can’t quite explain my fascination towards the concept.

This is coming from someone that naturally despises SUVs and anything truckish in both, form and function.

I, for one, believe that MINI is right on the money with this one. BMW is not exactly known for bad business decisions (Well, the 1970′s 320 and the 2002 BMW 7 series are exceptions to that golden rule)so I think the SAV will further unleash all possibilities that MINI has to offers as a brand and a total concept.

A MINI Blimp? Where do I sign up?
?

Porsche was the only car manufacture that killed the SUV image. The Mini should really just add AWD to the Clubman and call it a day. I am not sure it is wise to wait 3 years for another CUV..
Hoover

4 Doors. Hatch. AWD. Slightly more ground clearance. Just enough room to fit 4 adults in comfort. Big enough boot to hold a modest amount of stuff. Base and S models. Build it, style it right, price it right, size it right, and I’ll buy it in a second and ditch my boring but necessary Honda CR-V–and I would bet a lot of you would too. We’ll see a lot more all-MINI garages, and a few less ugly SUVs and wagons on the road. Nothin’ wrong with that. Get on it MINI, and sign me up for the first one.
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O(=^=)OCapn

Hey Guys,

Great conversation, but after reading this whole thing and it being way to late to give my thougts about what you all have said, I will just comment on the article.

Since I have been a proponent of an AWD MINI from the beginning. All I Have to say is HURRAH!!!!!! I will echo what I have said previously in that I hope that it will be long enough to enter into rallye racing and enough pep to turn those HP sucking AWD running gear and fast enough to compete!!! I want a subie killer!!! If it can’t do that, it will be sad, and maybe even a little pointless, but not enough to keep me from getting one. I am very excited about this development.

My only question is if they are going to build this for the US market, why not build it in the US so as currency exchange won’t be an issue?

Rob, you made some funny comments but I am tired. Night. thx
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Gregg

Jumping in a little late – been lurking for a while. There’s a tremendous amount of talk about “the community” here. Yes, it was fun to be driving down the street back in ’03 with my brand new MINI and getting waves and lights, but folks, it’s not happenin’ any more. I flash and wave (maybe it’s the flashing part that’s scaring ‘em :-) ) and get nothing but deer-in-the-headlights looks in reply. MiniMark – I’m sorry but I’ve got to agree with BrewSwapGuy, I bought the car ’cause I liked it, and the way it drove, not because of any “community”. If the new Colorado fits those criteria (and I’m still breathing), I’ll take a look. If not, I’ll find myself a new ’10 Garbonzo XL to drive.

One last thought – the Moke WAS outrageous, but I kinda don’t think the MINI folks will be looking to IT for inspiration, do you really? I mean, DANG, just think of the lawsuits when little Jimmy takes a header out of one of those “doors”. (My favorite image of the Moke was from R&T, I think — fella picking up the back end and walking it over an 8″ fallen tree in the road)
Dr Obnxs

Jon, go read about all the complaining about the Porsche SUVs before it’s release. And guess what? It’s success is what allows more versions of small volume P cars to be sold.

All the negativism is sorely misplaced, and reeks of resistance to change. Mini better do something to keep growing, or it will die, and we’ll all be left with nothing to buy but the new FIAT 500 or the Ford Ka! While many may say, why not just keep things the way they are, the sad truth is the opportunity cost of the $ spent will make the dollars go elsewhere. Only small production boutique cars can afford to stay in business making X cars per year, with no change.

For those that want more Mini models, instead of complaining about dilution of the brand, you should be rooting for unparralleled success, because that will generate the $ that would make a smaller production two seater, for example, a real posibility.

Matt
David

Conjecture based on two cars that will someday exist in some form:

X1 = 170 inches long Clubman based MINI SUV = 156 inches long X1 = 3400 lb Clubman based MINI SUV = 3000 lb

MINI SUV = a smaller, cuter, funner, happenener car.

I also don’t see why a performance variant of the MINI suv couldn’t be a serious rallye contender. With the proper suspension set-up, engine and AWD drive-train, a high performance version of this new MINI could compete on the dirt and gravel. hp/lb could be on par with heavier AWD variants out there.
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http://www.nwiminiacs.com Dean Cory

OK I was dead set against a MINI SUV. But if MINI were smart and put a Turbo DIESEL in the SUV that could also be put in the Cooper/Clubman I would be 100% for the SUV idea.
Dave

i’ve seen the latest testbed for the mini moke/colorado/crossman, and here’s what i can say.

it will be built by magna steyr. it certainly looks like a clubman, but on a slightly raised-up suspension. as far as i know, the engine will still be the PSA-designed 1.6 liter engine, but with all wheel drive instead of front wheel drive.
1992

Mini, just remake the MINI 1000. SUVs are for rednecks and I don’t think redneck is the target audience for this brand. IMOP.. :P

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