Car Magazine Reports on the MINI Crossover

c4 Feb 9th, 2008 Link

This car seems to have borrowed more design elements from the Traveller concept show cars from a few years back. Notice the side repeaters, which IMO, should have been the shape used in the R56 and R55.

Is it me, or the front end looks less “bubbly” than the R56? Also the headlights seem pointing straight ahead, with less of the “egg yolk” appearance.

I really like it. It does remind me of a Volvo CrossCountry station wagon or an Audi A4 or A6 avant with AWD and slightly raised ride height.

Sorry, but the R60 does not resemble a Ford Explorer or a Hummer.

nicholi Feb 9th, 2008 Link

I drive a MINI Cooper S. Lots of people ask me about gas mileage and price compared to the “regular” one. I always thought they were referring to the MINI Cooper, but discovered that they’re actually referring to a full-sized Cooper (and that I’m just driving the miniature version) that of course doesn’t exist. The R60 in current form sure isn’t going to help that theory end. So maybe they should just start calling it the COOPER?

hector M. Feb 9th, 2008 Link

I think the R60 will be a step up for young parents, they already have a MINI Cooper, but need more space aka (for kids) and they want to still be on the MINI family.

james Feb 9th, 2008 Link

i think the MINI SUV side repeaters are a very interesting feature in that they continue the line of the A-pillar through to the wheel well… it’s a nice design reference to the body seam in that location on the original BL mini.

zm Feb 9th, 2008 Link

i’d go for one of these before a clubman…

tdm Feb 9th, 2008 Link

I am thinking that it would be an interesting alternative to other SUV’s. Being all wheel drive would put it into a category that I could even consider. Not sure how it will hold up with any type of off road experience as pictured but I am definitely interested

c4 Feb 9th, 2008 Link

I seriously doubt the R60 will have any “serious” offroad capabilities. This is just a jacked up Clubman with AWD.

Jon Feb 9th, 2008 Link

And the R60 rolls on, still believe this is the wrong direction but the ball is rolling. No stopping it now for better or worse.

Ryephile Feb 9th, 2008 Link

I think this move is more micro-niching and ultimately more sales. While the purist in my scoffs, realistically we can’t stop the machine from demanding such odd creations. Nevertheless, it’s a blessing in disguise: I’ll take the rear diff and convert my R53 into rear drive!

Bilbo Baggins Feb 9th, 2008 Link

I’ll wait for a wrecked R60 and transplant the drivetrain into my R53. If BMW/MINI won’t build what I want, then I guess I’ll have to do it myself.

Hmmmm, an AWD R53. Nice and low, short wheelbase, shorter overhangs, lighter weight, supercharger whine, what could be sweeter.

c4 Feb 9th, 2008 Link

Why would a want an AWD R53? Heavier, poor fuel consumption? Please correct me if I am wrong. I am from the sunbelt after all.

TomB Feb 9th, 2008 Link

A few weeks ago I saw a show on Discovery Channel that had a segment on the Getrag R53 all wheel drive prototype. They called it the “Twinster”. They had it on a snow covered test track with a stock R53. The Twinster kicked it’s butt like Chuck Norris.

Hai Feb 9th, 2008 Link

AWD R53 would be helpful during winter driving for those from the north.

Gabe Feb 9th, 2008 Link

TomB – we’ve done extensive reporting on Getrag’s AWD system in years past. In fact there’s a link in the story above to our in-depth report we did on it back in 2005. You can also find that here and in the “Previous MF Features” section.

InfiniteDomain Feb 9th, 2008 Link

Me likie the little lights on the roof!! And the colour… MORE FUN COLOURS!!

Is that Max Headroom driving?

gokartride Feb 9th, 2008 Link

The new rendering is interesting, but still seems cobbled from a variety of sources via Photoshop. I defer comment until something real is seen. The variant will be very useful for many folks and, imo, the MINI design folks have produced nothing but winners, so I’m not worried.

TomB Feb 9th, 2008 Link

Gabe,

I have the video segment of the Twinster. E-mail if you would like to see it.

jimskater Feb 10th, 2008 Link

I like this quote from the online article:

“We’ll see the Mini SUV in 2009, although production versions could take longer. Remember that endless series of concepts for the Clubman? Well, we can expect more teasing to prepare us for the 4×4. And apparently stories claiming it will be called Crossman are wide of the mark. ‘What sort of name is that?’ retorted one Mini manager we asked. ** ‘It will not be called Crossman.’” **

Dan S Feb 10th, 2008 Link

BRAVO! Another likely home run for Mini. This is NOT an SUV folks. History proves that the people who run Mini are not going to build a “Hummerette”. It will be a “quattro” or “WRX” beater. More HP, less torque steer, faster corners, and, in the snow climates, better winter traction. Oh, 4 doors will be nice too. “Colorado” would be a great name. I just hope they use the R56 hatch (barn doors are cute but belong in a barnyard).

Ernie Oporto Feb 10th, 2008 Link

It’s nice to see the beautiful Mini vehicle shape can scale up. I definitely think that it goes totally against the concept of the low fuel consumption Mini has been pushing. I feel almost as if they couldn’t put the Mini name on it, but some variation like Maxi. It seems like the wrong direction to invest it, but if they’ve identified a niche that this will serve, it should do well.

Aaron Feb 10th, 2008 Link

Interesting rendering. I’d like to see how big it is compared to an R53 or R56. I have a feeling that original Mini aficionados are going to be groaning when they see how large the MINI has become. Though I am still skeptical, I am a bit more warmed up to it due to three things: AWD, 4 doors, and the fact that the warranty on my 2006 R53 will just be ending when the Colorado, along with the mid-cycle refresh on the R56, will be rolling out of MINI plants in Oxford and Graz.

Vanwall Feb 10th, 2008 Link

I’m sure this rendering is mostly speculative, but one step at a time. The Colorado name is prolly owned by someone else, tho.

GregW Feb 10th, 2008 Link

Why they continue to call these cars MINI is beyond me. The photo of the MINI beside an X5 shows that MINI is no longer a small car. They may as well call it a BMW as most old Mini people call the new car a BMW Mini anyhow.

MINIme Feb 11th, 2008 Link

Yeeehaaaaaw! This looks good. After seeing the Clubman at my dealer the other day, this looks great. IMO, the clubman missed the mark. The small third door and lack of a third rear seat just makes no sense at all to me. The service advisor that I spoke with didn’t like it either. I could have driven one, but was so disinterested, that I didn’t bother.

Now, we need LSD F&R and the extra HP of the JCW setup!

c4 Feb 11th, 2008 Link

Some perspective….

MINI stopped being a small car circa 2001.

The R53 was the SHORTEST car sold in the United States (No longer is now that the Smart went on sale here). Other than that, ride height, height and weight are in compact sedan category.

I disagree with the prevailing mentallity that the Clubman, R60, et al are all HUGE cars or micro-Hummers which they aren’t. People seem to conveniently forget the Volvo Cross Country, the Audi Avant and even the Saab 9-3 sportwagon, which the MINI SAV seems to be more closely related than a H3 or Tahoe.

The only true mini “Minis” were the classics with their 10″, 12″or 13″inch wheels and lilliputian proportions. Real Minis were built from 1959-2000. Anything made after that is just a small, shortwheelbase compact made to resemble the look and feel of the Issigonis classic Mini.

It is really getting old reading about complaints that the MINI is no longer MINI.

Geez, get over it already!

GregW Feb 11th, 2008 Link

Mini, noun, something small or miniature, something that is distinctively smaller than other members of its type or class.

Jon Feb 11th, 2008 Link

I personally have never said the R60 isn’t a Mini, however I still believe that Mini is a Niche car, the base fact is that the niche Mini has filled is becoming more popular with other manufactures. My issue is based around if a micro sub is really a direction Mini should go. The micro suv market has many previously existing direct competitors so unlike the release in 2001 where Mini created its niche, they are attempting to going an existing niche that is actually full of other vehicles.

I also wonder about how this will be perceived by people that are not current owners. I cannot begin to count how many times I’ve been asked about the mileage on our Mini’s. Compared to that I have been asked maybe once in many years about how many people it can fit. I think their money would have been much better spent bringing the Mini 1 to the states for entry level buyers, and developing a hybrid or figuring out how to bring the Mini D to the states.

ml Feb 11th, 2008 Link

I’m VERY excited about this. As long as the gas mileage is good, I’m all for it. I just hope they redo the interior a bit, since the current model is kind of ugly and I prefer my ‘06. 2011 is perfect timing too.

Aussom Feb 11th, 2008 Link

I wonder what the water depth limit iis for the R60 to successfully drive through without damaging the engine & electrics? Agree with holding back purchase of the Clubman until the R60 is available. Does it come in turbo Diesel?

O(=^=)OCapn Feb 12th, 2008 Link

I am very interested in this concept on paper. I will wait and see what it is like when it comes out. I learned my lesson on the GP. Hated it, now I drool.

Oh, by the way, Jon, no one cares about what you have to say.

Chrissy (lilcoopr) Feb 12th, 2008 Link

Where is that picture from? Is it just a random photoshop or does it share any characteristics with the actual design? I kinda like it. That’s why I’m asking. I mean, I am still against muddying the brand by going bigger rather than MINI-er, but if they have to do it, this one looks kinda better than I imagined…

Jon Feb 12th, 2008 Link

O(=^=)OCapn, LOL

Aaron Feb 12th, 2008 Link

I have been pretty skeptical about the Colorado project all along. But I will say that if they were to use the extra space in this vehicle to put a turbo diesel engine (or should we dream of even a turbo-diesel-hybrid engine? With the hybrid helping a bit to get that turbine going to reduce the turbo lag?) in there, along with the AWD and 4-doors + hatchback, and would make that available for the US market, I would put down a deposit to buy one today.

BMW has said that they don’t have the space on the R53/R56’s to put the urea tanks for a clean diesel engine as required by US emissions regulations. With the wheelbase stretched on the Colorado, I’m guessing there’s now the room for it. MAKE IT HAPPEN, BMW/MINI!

O(=^=)OCapn Feb 12th, 2008 Link

Jon, I am not your proctologist, you don’t have to laugh for me.

Jon Feb 13th, 2008 Link

I second that Aaron, while I have no love for a SUV Mini if it enables them to bring the diesel to the states that would be great. It will be interesting to see.

O(=^=)OCapn think you missed the point I wasn’t laughing for you, I was laughing in your general direction ;)

agranger Feb 14th, 2008 Link

For those of you wanting a “WRX beater” from the Colorado, please remember that BMW builds 4wd cars as winter vehicles, not performance cars.

I’d like to see a Colorado, hopped up on some nice chunky tires and tricked out with a full roof rack and a set of rally lights on the roof and bumper. Not very practical, but would be fun for a rally car!

Mark Feb 14th, 2008 Link

MINI Crossman, MAXI price. Rumored U.S price to be high $30K s, low $40K s. Add lots of options and push $50K. I’ll pass, thanks.