Comments on: Car Magazine Reports on the MINI Crossover http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:45:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Mark http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-207469 Mark Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:19:35 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-207469 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: agranger http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-207327 agranger Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:12:16 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-207327 <p>For those of you wanting a "WRX beater" from the Colorado, please remember that BMW builds 4wd cars as winter vehicles, not performance cars.</p> <p>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!</p> 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!

]]> By: Jon http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-207168 Jon Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:09:14 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-207168 <p>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.</p> <p>O(=^=)OCapn think you missed the point I wasn't laughing for you, I was laughing in your general direction ;)</p> 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 ;)

]]> By: O(=^=)OCapn http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206920 O(=^=)OCapn Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:46:49 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206920 <p>Jon, I am not your proctologist, you don't have to laugh for me.</p> Jon, I am not your proctologist, you don’t have to laugh for me.

]]> By: Aaron http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206680 Aaron Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:16:28 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206680 <p>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.</p> <p>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!</p> 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!

]]> By: Jon http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206665 Jon Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:49:30 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206665 <p>O(=^=)OCapn, LOL</p> O(=^=)OCapn, LOL

]]> By: Chrissy (lilcoopr) http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206657 Chrissy (lilcoopr) Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:25:06 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206657 <p>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...</p> 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…

]]> By: O(=^=)OCapn http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206656 O(=^=)OCapn Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:22:41 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206656 <p>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.</p> <p>Oh, by the way, Jon, no one cares about what you have to say.</p> 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.

]]> By: Aussom http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206614 Aussom Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:04:41 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206614 <p>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?</p> 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?

]]> By: ml http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206544 ml Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:30:20 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206544 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Jon http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206490 Jon Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:55:25 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206490 <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: GregW http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206471 GregW Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:40:46 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206471 <p>Mini, noun, something small or miniature, something that is distinctively smaller than other members of its type or class.</p> Mini, noun, something small or miniature, something that is distinctively smaller than other members of its type or class.

]]> By: c4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206466 c4 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:15:59 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206466 <p>Some perspective....</p> <p>MINI stopped being a small car circa 2001.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>It is really getting old reading about complaints that the MINI is no longer MINI.</p> <p>Geez, get over it already!</p> 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!

]]> By: MINIme http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206437 MINIme Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:10:00 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206437 <p>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.</p> <p>Now, we need LSD F&R and the extra HP of the JCW setup!</p> 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!

]]> By: GregW http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206211 GregW Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:35:26 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206211 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Vanwall http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206209 Vanwall Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:31:12 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206209 <p>I'm sure this rendering is mostly speculative, but one step at a time. The Colorado name is prolly owned by someone else, tho.</p> I’m sure this rendering is mostly speculative, but one step at a time. The Colorado name is prolly owned by someone else, tho.

]]> By: Aaron http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206090 Aaron Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:05:04 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206090 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Ernie Oporto http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206034 Ernie Oporto Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:10:53 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206034 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Dan S http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-206024 Dan S Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:44:21 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-206024 <p>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).</p> 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).

]]> By: jimskater http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/comment-page-1/#comment-205899 jimskater Sun, 10 Feb 2008 06:03:52 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/09/car-magazine-reports-on-the-mini-crossover/#comment-205899 <p>I like this quote from the online article:</p> <p>"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 4x4. 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.'" **</p> 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.’” **

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