MINI SUV to be Partially 1 Series Based
MF Exclusive: What happens when a car-maker wants to build a bigger vehicle without the finances to properly develop a new platform? They borrow what they need from someone else who’s already done it. In this case it’s MINI raiding the corporate closets at BMW to create the new four door MINI SAV. Our sources are reporting that MINI will base the new off-roader on both the Clubman and the new 1 series based BMW X1 SUV while also including some unique drivetrain components for MINI’s first factory all-wheel drive system.
But wait, the 1 Series as in the rear wheel drive BMW? How is this possible? According to sources, we can expect the R60 to use some BMW components in unexpected places along with the more obvious ones. For instance the raised Clubman caught in photos recently around Munich features five lug wheels straight off of the current BMW 1 Series. While we don’t expect BMW wheels to ever be sold by MINI, don’t be surprised if what comes on the R60 are somewhat similar.
Expect the front portion of the new SUV to contain mostly Clubman components under the skin with a new, more agressive (i.e. rally inspired) outer skin. Elsewhere expect the wheelbase to be lengthened (to make room for the first true MINI with four doors) and the rear overhang to be slightly larger for more boot space. All told the car will have four doors and will be noticeably larger in every dimension than the Clubman. You can also expect the R60 to be quite a bit taller than the R55.
We’ll have more on the R60 in the months and weeks ahead. In the meantime be sure to check out our complete collection of MINI SAV/SUV stories in the Motoringfile R60 section.
Wonder what the fuel economy will be on this. Looks like they’re making up for the 07 Mini’s 40mpg rating with something that will be 10mpg.
Alas. My dreams have been dashed. My vision of a trackable AWD Clubman fades into the mist.
The only way I might still be on board with this thing is if they offer it with a diesel and I can do the bio thing.
Gabe?
I have a feeling your hopes may be resurrected.
Looks like we are on our way! 4 doors is a definite plus (seating for 5 please). I hope they keep the boxy rear end of the Clubman vs. the X1’s sloping rear. A diesel would be nice…
I get the same mileage in my (4×4)2000 Nissan XTerra as I do in my ’05 “S”. I am sure that MPG ratings for this vehicle will be competitive in the samll SUV market.
I personally can’t wait for a MINI on steroids! Please refrain from contacting George Mitchell…
“more aggressive (i.e. rally inspired) outer skin” i.e. make believe rugged looking plastic trim.
Lets all say hello to the first 3000lbs+ Mini. Good to hear though that Nuvolari’s hope will be resurrected. I am assuming this is more for the chance of a diesel or alternative fuel R60 than a AWD Clubman.
Still believe this direction from Mini is way off base. No doubt the end effect of people that are more interested in hopping to finding new business rather than keeping their current user base. I have no doubts that more than a few of the current community will go after this bloated beast but I feel that BMW has firmly aimed this primarily outside of the community.
“The anti-SUV backlash has been revoked in error, BMW/Mini wishes to send their apologizes to the SUV’s they have offended, BMW/Mini was wrong.”
> Still believe this direction from Mini is way off base. No doubt the end effect of people that are more interested in hopping to finding new business rather than keeping their current user base.
Jon, please stop speaking on behalf of the current user base. I’m fairly certain you’re in the minority on this issue.
Don’t get me wrong Matt, not speaking for the Mini community rather as being part of it just sharing my personal view. Never will see me speak for anybody else, don’t claim to be right or wrong its just a point of view.
<blockquote>Don’t get me wrong Matt, not speaking for the Mini community rather as being part of it just sharing my personal view. Never will see me speak for anybody else, don’t claim to be right or wrong its just a point of view.</blockquote>
…and a point of view shared by many.
I you love MINI, then open your heart and mind and be accepting of the fact that the brand wants to expand the product line. Also, please try to accept those of us who do not denounce SUVs. IT IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE (I am living proof) to love more than one thing simultaneously. I am a longtime enthusiast of Mini, as wel as MINI automobiles in all their incarnations. I am also a fan/collector of various SUVs that have historical significance (Toyota FJ40 LandCruiser, Land Rover Defender, Suzuki Samurai, Jeep CJ, Nissan Patrol, International Scout, ’66 Ford Bronco and soon AM General HMMWV). Yep, I own a bunch of vehicles. And, my 2005 MINI Cooper S is among my prize possessions.
I am really looking forward to what MINI will produce, in terms of an AWD (SAV/SUV) offering. I doubt that it will stack up to any of my collection with regard to utility or off-raod capability, but one with an open mind and and open heart can learn to embrace most anything for what it is rather than what it is not.
Well Jon, at least you’re consitent. But I don’t understand why you bitch. There’s still the R56. After all, it wasn’t canceled. You do keep talking about dilution rather than addition. Face it, when you offer the shortest car in the US market (OK, the smart is shorter), then there’s only one direction to grow the brand, and it’s NOT to a smaller car. If you want small and nimble, hope for a GP like varient of the 56.
I’m not saying right or wrong here. Try to look at this from a market access perspective, and keep in mind that monstrosity of a Porsche (the Chyanne) is what makes tons of the money that lets them keep building the niche variations of 911 that keep the purists happy.
As far as it not being a trackable beast, maybe, maybe not. Gut it, lower it, and mod it and who knows what it will do! Longer wheel base cars aren’t as bad as one would think, auto-x aside.
Matt
How much bigger is MINI going to get? After a few weeks in a new R56, and a few washes and polishes, I now prefer the R50 body and styling. The extra body fat R56 has put on makes me want to go see a liposuction outfit.
Now MINI is growing into a 1 series size.
Whats wrong with being small (read Mini) and keeping it that way?
I disagree that larger cars are the only way to grow the brand.
With the Smart coming to the US as well as an increasing interest in small electric cars, I can imagine a small 2 seater the size and shape of a classic Mini being a viable option for MINI.
I’m sure MINI would come up with a swell vehicle; however, I don’t see the logic of making a larger MINI. BMW’s already making a smaller Beemer. Make this one a BMW.
And make a 4wd Clubman biodiesel for MINI folk.
<blockquote>(to make room for the first true MINI with four doors)</blockquote>
What’s true to MINI about 4 doors? Couldn’t get any further from the truth!
This is just a 1 series made to resemble the look of a MINI.
Let’s stand back & watch BMW completely bastardise the MINI
MOKE … R60
The Moke name doesn’t work unless you have a true utility vehicle with a removable canvas top and removable doors. Now this I would purchase at any price, and MPG rating, anytime, anywhere, by any other name.
I wonder how long it will be before we see a SUV from Rolls Royce?
It seems that if the bean counters at BMW have their way then soon.
I like it! I need another vehicle that would get me to the trailhead and offer some utility. There isn’t anything on the market right now that appeals to me and I don’t want to settle for a CR-V, RAV-4, Escape, etc. This would look sweet in my garage next to my ’05 MCS!
I would have been the largest supporter for a Moke evolution. I would be happy to see a AWD minimalistic Moke. Instead they are crafting a plastic coated off-road wannabe built in a luxury suv fitting, all I can say is ick!
I hear you Dr. Obnxs, please know the reason why I am “bitching” is that I honestly feel this development is creating a huge divide in the Mini community I love. I can understand why Mini has choose this path but I feel that its counter to everything Mini. As the Woofcast guys have already noted our community is going through a change from enthusiast to drivers. I believe this move will further bring people into the Mini world looking at their Mini as just another car. I for one believe that this isn’t the only development direction Mini could have done, matter of fact I feel this is predictable, average, expected…. all of which to this time I would have never associated with the outstanding Mini managers and designers.
I honestly would love it if somebody from Mini would discuss this with the Mini community.
Jon, yall gots ta chill, dawg.
Heh Nuvolari, blame Mini… they made me their largest fan and a fanatic about the brand. Just badly stressed about the future of something I honestly care about.
I dont understand how hating the R60 – which I personally dont – makes your love of your R50 or 53 or 56 any less valid.
A community is a community for a reason. If we were all supposed to like the same things and be uniform, it’d be a cult, not a community.
Though there are benefits to cults. Yummy Kool-Aid and purple Nikes. (And yes, I know that’s a mixed metaphor…)
<blockquote> I honestly feel this development is creating a huge divide in the Mini community </blockquote>
And you are the most outspoken wedge that is helping to create the divide. I’m sure you speak the feelings of a small group of dedicated enthusiasts who feel MINI is betraying you, but good lord, man, give it up already! The negativity is getting pretty repetitive. You have already registered your disgust with the SAV, time to move on. If you want to stay involved at least try to help steer the development of the SAV without constantly reiterating your feelings of betrayal.
The original, although small, was unsafe by today’s standards’. BMW and the MINI brand are changing the way large car buyers look at small cars. Yes they are going to be larger then the original or even the R-53 but still reliable and economically friendly. These are things that American car makers have over looked in order to make more money.
I commend and support the MINI brand for growing and, in the process, making the statement that you can be small, efficient, stylish and safe.
Jon, you should open your mind to the future or go buy a Smart Car.
Current MINI is now too successful, too common, everyone has one except the Soccer Moms who say its nice but too small. Now they CAN drive a MINI with 4 doors for their balls
I think y’all should leave Jon alone. His opinion need not threaten anybody. I’ll take his outrage over your censorship any day.
There’s a lot of hem and haw about what a gigantic departure this is going to be for MINI, but I just really doubt it. I think a lot of folk would benefit from going back and reading Gabe’s original Traveller/Clubman post and the colossal bitching that ensued. Then look at what the Clubman actually turned out to be. It’s barely any bigger than a coupe, and the consensus among reviewers is that besides the loss of some rear visibility, they can’t really tell the difference in how it drives. Y’all talk about the 1-series like it’s the H4 and that’s pretty ridiculous. Every time I pull up behind an X3, I can’t help but notice how small it really is in the grand scheme of things. And the X1 will be even smaller. I wager the “Crossman” will be even smaller still. Yes, a tad larger than a Clubman, but whoopdy-doo, the Clubman is only <em>longer</em> than the coupe.
I’ll spare us the obligatory “a brand is about belonging” speech, but I really can’t fathom why this is so threatening to the “purists” – especially as I consider myself one, as I zip about in my R53.
Even though I’m not really on board philosophically, the idea of something 4-door and AWD with the MINI mojo is appealing. I ADORE my R53, but I can’t pick up more than one person from the airport. It’s only passable in the Minnesota snow. And it would be nice to take the wife, the dog, and all our gear on a road trip and still be able to see out the back window. There’s a place for the Crossman in this market, in this brand, and this community. And I must admit, that raised Clubman, though a supposed abomination to the sports car crowd, looks kinda aggressive and bad ass in my opinion.
But there’s also room for differences of opinion. I don’t really agree with you Jon, but good on ya for speaking your mind.
Let’s all look at the X6 that was introduced today, and then see what eventuates, possibly based on those parameters and certainly with a nod in the direction things are going.
I respect your opinion as well John even though I do not agree with it. Nathaniel I share some of your feelings about this new model. Consider this something that again may make such a mark on the industry that it will cause othwer automakers to follow suit. Imagine a cool looking, customizable, fun to drive Utility/ Crossover type of vehicle that is also in keeping with environmentally friendliness. Look at what MINI has done to the likes of Honda, Toyota, GM, and even Chrysler. These manufacturers see that if you do a small car properly you can profit on it and bring in more business. That is all that BMW has done and looks to continue to do by being innovative in their approach to their products still in keeping as much as possible with what Alec Issigonis creatied almost fifty years ago. I cannot believe and didn’t expect the Clubman to be soooo popular here in CT. (For us at least) causing people to leave deposits for the first ones almost three years before we knew if and when it would exist. Everything in life is a gamble but if you continue to innovate and listen to peoples input you can’t go wrong even if you have naysayers. These new MINI’s are just another way for MINI to reach out to other people so power to them. I consider myself an enthusiast as well. While I am not fond of convertibles I never knock anyone driving a Convertible since that is their choice. It’s still a MINI and that person and I still are driving some of the coolest cars around.
I’m more with Jon in this. There are plenty of larger cars out there and, for me, the Mini difference is in the name (wicked small!) and in the styling (timeless yet modern). I can see the economic reasons a car company would introduce an “SUV”, seeing on how these are the cars with typically larger margins. But lets be realistic: Mini is considered a “luxury compact” and can easily cost $35k. They already have nice margins.
Mini has built its brand on a few adjectives: very small, very nimble, very little gas. Does a larger version threaten their image? I’m leaning toward yes. (not as small, not as nimble, not as “gas-o-leen”)
I understand that the X1 is a very small SUV and that the Mini SUV will probably still be dwarfed by most other cars. I hope it works out.
I’d like to see Mini try some more things to see how the US market would react. Trying an SUV is mainstream car manufacturer thinking. Mini is about doing things differently, right? Where’s an electric or hybrid? Where’s the AWD or RWD? What about getting rid of another 200lbs?
Thanks for listening to my wandering rant… There’s more where that came from, but…
— PhinMak
AN is on the right track. Although, I might add that Mini automobiles do have a cult following and MINIs are an extension of the enthusiasm created by the original. Perhaps, at this point, they are more than that. Bwana Yak is also correct in that Jon is leading the way to a division in the “community”. The problem is, his theory doesn’t have enough traction. Jon, we don’t want to see you alienate yourself. Just hang in there and be tolerant. Who knows, the finished product may pleasantly surprise you.
Ideas and brands will evolve to meet the needs of consumers, or ultimately, they will meet the fate of the dinosaur. I love my ’05 Cooper S, but welcome the addition of a beefed-up AWD utility vehicle, that proudly wears the same name as the brand I already love. I look forward to other concepts from MINI, as well. I would love to see a roadster and a Moke, although the latter will never happen. Jon, if it ever happens, you and I will be leading the march together man.
Nathaniel, I don’t see any rebuttal to Jon’s commentary as censorship. We are simply using transformational dialogue in order to influence Jon’s opinion. Collectively, that’s politics.
Happy Holidays!
Great debate guys, there are more than a few valid concepts on all sides here in my opinion. I will say again that I have no doubt’s to the creativity of the Mini design team to come up with a solid development for the R60. I still personally believe that they have a chosen a market sector that is filled with competition. Micro crossover SUV’s if anything are common on the roads I drive already. One of the greatest things Mini did in 2002 is to create a new market for the luxury micro car. A SUV reeks of being an easy and otherwise predictable path for them, believe the design team has shot firmly towards mediocrity on this. I expected something much more from Mini than following every other manufacturer.
While I can see where many people are coming from with saying I am creating the very gulf that I am worried about. However the base fact is there are a lot of people that have expressed a wide variety views, everything from total acceptance to outright outrage. I am only expressing my own personal view on this matter.
As many owners/drivers/enthusiasts (the community), let’s make sure that MINI doesn’t allow this project to reek of mediocrity. Let’s demand an offering that eclipses everything currently in the market or on the drawing board in this category (micro crossover/suv?). If MINI was able to create a niche in 2002, why not now? Jon said it well when he said ” One of the greatest things Mini did in 2002 is to create a new market for the luxury micro car. (MINI did not create the micro car, but the market for the luxury version).
I ask you, have we, as a community, lost faith? Fear not. Believe fellow MINIons! Ask for the ultimate micro SUV and ye shall receive it! Demand the features and options that we would include in the build and accept nothing less. MotoringFile is a great medium for expressing our ideas, wants, grievances. Let’s take advantage of our collective voice to influence BMW/MINI to build the R60 to specs that are worthy of the MINI marque.
<blockquote>Nathaniel, I don’t see any rebuttal to Jon’s commentary as censorship. We are simply using transformational dialogue in order to influence Jon’s opinion. Collectively, that’s politics.</blockquote>
I’m all for rebuttal – I’ve written more than a few. I’m opposed to his being singled out, not your difference of opinion. It’s not your “collective” role to badger him until he thinks like you do. That’s politics alright, but not the good kind.
Minime in some small part I believe that expressing views like mine are a primary driver to push Mini to develop something good enough to silence its detractors. Don’t get me wrong I still feel strongly that a SUV is a misguided path though.
Guys please don’t stress over my comments or other views counter to mine. I take nothing you guys are saying personally, though I do at times feel like a target I believe this debate is good for our brand. On another aspect over a great many years I have found that opinions tend to not be influenced by others rather is a personal choice made by the individual based on the preponderance of their point of view, logic, factual information, and passion.
We are all passionate. That is clear.
I respect Jon’s opinion on the SAV, although I disagree with him. I refute the notion that he has been badgered by me or anyone else on this board. Responding to his prophecy regarding the MINI community, over the production of an SAV/SUV, does not constitute badgering. I, personally, have not initiated any posts with regard to this subject, nor have I sought to persecute Jon. I have only responded to posts that I feel are off base. My position is this: Don’t lead the charge to divide the “community”. In other words, “Don’t start no stuff, won’t be no stuff”!
I’m really looking forward to this. I don’t think it’s in the wrong direction as long as they don’t go overboard and it gets good mpg. I find situations when I wish my MINI was bigger, but I don’t really like the clubman too much. I’m also hoping the upcoming 50th anniversary might involve a re-do of the current interior – or I’m hoping the SAV will have a different interior. That really is the main thing that puts me off owning another MINI right now. At least it coming out in 2010 is right when my current MINI is paid off and I can wait to see how the first year model is doing before considering getting one 🙂
Jon, your views are as valid as any, and I was not calling for censorship, only for a restraint from the complete rejection of the SAV concept. The SAV is a done deal, but your opinions on how it will take shape are not only valid but perhaps uniquely valuable as you interject some perspective on the “oh boy I can’t wait” opinions of myself and others. We have much more that we agree on than that which we disagree on, for instance, neither of us want BMW to take anything away from the MINI driving experience in a MINI SAV.
One point where we disagree is in who we want to be a part of the MINI community. I’m not convinced that the MINI SAV will appeal to the soccer mom crowd all that much, as it will be too small to fit five kids and the family dog in and it won’t provide that feeling of invulnerability like the monster SUV’s. However, it probably will draw some buyers (maybe many buyers) away from CR-V’s and RAV-4’s, and I’m willing to accept those converts into the fold, because that’s what I think will happen – new buyers will be converted into MINI fanatics, just like the rest of us and for the same reasons. Given the MINI size and driving characteristics, I just don’t see most people having a hard time choosing between a MINI SAV and a Honda CR-V – either they want a MINI because it’s a MINI (with all that entails), or they don’t care about that and they buy the cheaper more conventional vehicle.
I concur on many of your points Bwana. My issues with this vehicle are not with the Mini community, there are many people in the current community and future people that may enter it that do have valid needs of a larger vehicle.
I just wonder if Mini really needs to fill this void. Read MF, NAM, Mini2 and you can see a large volume of the messages are based on performance. With the same logic Mini has followed for the SUV it would seem that there are a sizable number of people that are looking for a higher end sports car, something far beyond even the JCW solutions. Does this mean Mini should develop something like this? Once again I say no for the exact same reason, Mini would be entering into direct completion with established manufacturers and to me just doesn’t fit the brand image to me. I personally think the outstanding thing for our brand is that they created their current market with pure creativity of the Mini design. I would much rather see Mini develop a new market.
One of those for me would be something I have been asked a thousand times since I have been driving the BMW/Mini by other drivers. “Bet that gets good gas mileage”, I personally think spending the money to develop a high mileage vehicle would make much more sense as the factual properties would match the perception of our brand making a instant sales point, while this would no doubt fall in completion with current offerings I believe that none of the current offerings are much other than iffy quality vehicles in this market.
The fact is, there are segments of the MINI community interested in high mileage, SUV, high performance, roadster, Moke, etc., respectively. We are one big melting pot. I could care less about fuel economy with my MINI Cooper S. I didn’t purchase it for that reason. I purchased it because it is a reflection of an icon and I could spec the build with features that I love and it is fun to drive. And, I always wanted to own a Mini, but, so far, have not found the right car to purchase. I am sure others purchased their MINIs just because it was small and they assumed great MPG. Who cares why any of us took the plunge? What’s important is we are all part of the “community” as a result of our decisions, no matter what influenced them. Some folks will be driven to purchase a MINI because it has 4 real doors and seating for 3 kids in back ( I would), and it is way cooler than the Hondas and Toyotas of similar size and purpose. After purchasing my MINI Cooper S, I was, and continue to be, faced with the daily dilemma that I cannot trasport my wife and all 3 children at the same time. I end up feeling selfish about the fact that I own this car, and chose it as my daily driver. As much as I love the car, that detracts from it’s usefulness, and ultimately it’s appeal. So, you see, this is one of the reasons I think an SAV/SUV could be a nifty offering. That, and I just happen to love SUVs!!
I sort of agree with Jon, in that any manufacturer should stick to what they do best. I also believe in evolution (of a product, brand, community). For example, if a hybrid MINI is built, I am sure their are many interested parties inside, and outside, the community. I’m not one of them, but to each his own. I would not fail to return a wave from a Hybrid MINI owner. Do I think that is the right direction for the company? NO. Do I care if they pursue it anyway? NO. Would I ostracize someone else for wanting higher mileage. NO. There is room for variations on an original. The SAV is no exception. Right or wrong, BMW/MINI is moving in that direction right now and I am hopeful that the end product will live up to my expectations. And, if it arrives with a diesel (I’m talking Bluetec-style, clean burning diesel), that’s even better.
I also agree with Jon that BMW, or more specifically the MINI group within BMW, should stick to what made the MINI the runaway success that it is. Keep in mind that part of that success is the normally aspirated Cooper, which is not what I would consider a performance car but still has all the other qualities that make it a true-blue MINI. I think we all tend to think of the Cooper S as the ‘real’ MINI – the center of the MINI universe. The normally aspirated Cooper is a toned-down version, while the JCW takes the concept in the opposite direction, the Clubman takes it in another and the SAV will take it in yet another. Still I see them all fitting into the MINI product line as long as BMW keeps true to the idea of a small, nimble, unique vehicle with that MINI styling we all love.
That being said, I sure hope they don’t botch it and come out with some gawd-awful embarrassment of an SUV…
I personally find this car very appealing. Will I buy it? I am not sure of that as of yet. It all depends how the Clubman we have on order will perform out in the real world.
Jon- I clearly remember you bemoaning when MINI announced automatic transmission availability for the MCS back in ’05. You used to say that people that could not drive a manual transmission MINI were undeserving of the car.
It seems to me that 3 years after the auto MCS was released, your so called “Community” is still there, in one piece.
While I respect your views, your sense of “MINI Community” appears to be a) shotsighted and b) ellitist to the max.
If you want to belong to a private country club, join one or become an exotic car owner so you don’t have to endure the anti-climatic BMW business decisions that seem to touch a nerve with your ellitist persona.
I agree with Bwana about the Cooper S being the “center of the MINI universe”. Before I bought my ’05 “S”, I drove a Cooper without all the bits and parts. I drove it much harder than the dealer wanted me to. 8) I had more fun driving that car through the twisty test area near the dealer than I have had with my “S” in two years of ownership. It was much more a “seat-of-the-pants” style ride. Now some may say, “well then, you’re not doing it right…” And, to be sure, I have not yet visited the Dragon or even replaced the all-season runflats on my “S”(the limiting factor for this car). All I am saying, is that sometimes a stripped down car, properly driven, can be more fun than an optioned out car (mine certainly is) that requires less driver input. At least, that is my experience.
I do love my “S”! And, I can’t wait to see what is born of this latest SAV/SUV concept. Providing BMW/MINI doesn’t completely drop the ball, there is a good bet that I will be making an addition to the family.
Well the Clubman is sold out in the UK. Looks like the ball is still in play. BMW must be doing something right–this success might just spill over onto their SAV/SUV concept. There seems to be a trend here.
If it were only that simple though for a manufacturer to claim future success on prior success. I love seeing the Clubman selling well, not at all surprised by this. I have massive respect for the Mini management and design team. Still every manufacture lives and dies by their next product, heck even BMW has turned out a turkey every now and then.
Actually with the SUV crazed US market I believe in many ways that the R60 could be a good seller for Mini. I could even see it selling better than the coupe in the states for its greater usability. If this comes to past have to say I would have the largest laugh in my life the common standard of the brand is a bloated 3000lbs plastic coated offroad wannabe.
Some prior successes that have spawned future successes:
Model T
Corvette
F150
R53
Boeing 737
If it was just me, I’d go with the 2-seater, race ready production Cooper S I heard about on WRR. Unfortunately, I’ve had to trade in the sports car for the family minivan. This may be my one & only chance to own a mini before retirement age.
The BMW Mini has been leading the inovation in its class from the start. Bending the American car makers over they’re big fat hoods & giving them a good @#%!howdy do from the 1st R50 that roller off the production line to every subsequent model. And now that they’re trying to follow after like a lumberjack late for breakfast, why shouldn’t we give them another good old @#%!howdy do & teach them that sitting on your laurels is only going to give you hemmoriods.
Let’s show them that it’s not the “size that matters.” But the fun in using it!
Think of it this way… How can you double brand sales of the marque in a few years. The Coupe ain’t gonna do it. A two seater ain’t gonna do it. Sure it will sell, but it will also take some of the 2-door coupe sales. Sad to say, when you’re as small as the Mini Coupe is, the fastest way to grow the brand is by going for the buyers who need more space inside.
Sorry, bad keystrokes… The above isn’t a right or wrong assesment, just an objective look at the market and where the customers are.
Matt
Who would go off road in a Mini, with the groud clearance