Sections: R60 (Crossover) Jul 2nd, 2008 46 Comments 
More information about the MINI that everyone loves to hate is being reported by Leftlane news among other outlets.
The upcoming Mini SUV, thus far dubbed Sports Activity Vehicle, or SAV, is likely to be the basis for a front-wheel drive hatchback in order to keep costs down, today’s reports say. The SAV is due to debut at the Paris motor show this October, though the brand’s biggest hatch isn’t likely to come out until 2012.
While the information is interesting we can confirm that part of it is indeed incorrect. What will be seen in Paris will actually be officially a concept and not a look at the final production MINI cross-over. And while they are reporting that it’s still unclear what this MINI will be based on, we at MF have known for some time the R60 will be part Clubman (from the firewall forward) and part BMW X1 with quite a few exclusive elements thrown in for good measure.
As soon as we get more information we’ll be passing it along. Be sure to check out the R60 section for all of the information we have to date – which is quite a bit more than what is being reported elsewhere.
[ Mini SUV to spawn a five-door FWD hatchback model ] Leftlanenews.com
Jon Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
From Bimmerfile…
” BMW Sports Activity Vehicles
Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are down 14.8 percent in June to 4,389 vehicles over the 5,152 sold last June. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles decreased by 10.2 percent, to 27,991 vehicles compared to the 31,184 sold in the same period of 2007. ” Good time to make a SUV Mini
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pbraun Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
This would not exactly be like that, it doesn’t look like it anyway……but who knows, exactly!
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Drill Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Well, if they keep the same 1.6T engine that’s getting 30 or so mpg, then I’d say it’s a pretty good time for it :-)
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C4 Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Jon, you are dead wrong. Stop lumping the R60 MINI SAV with your garden variety 6 or 8 cylinder AWD SUV. First off, no MINI (including the R60) will have an engine bigger than 4 cyl and larger than 1600cc. Please give it a rest, really.
We all know how much you hate SUVs. Hey I am not fan of them either, but the R60 is not truck based, body-on-frame, 6 or 8 cyl gas guzzler, clumsy driving tall brick.
You are the same one the predicted doom and gloom over 3 years ago when MINI decided to plug an automatic slushbox on the R53 S.
If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. But the R60 will capitalize quite nicely on the death of the typical SUV. Mark my words.
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Mr. Bean Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
What the heck is wrong with MINI? Don’t they understand what the definition of MINI is? I have an R53 an love it to death. I will NEVER buy an R56 or Clubman or whatever this new contraption is. The new MINIs are ugly, over sized, and as Jeremy Clarkson puts it, a toilet.
(I am angry, but don’t get me wrong, I never, never, ever want the MINI brand to die.)
Bean (Mr.)
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Jon Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Hmmm C4,
Last time I looked BMW doesn’t have any SUV (SAV if you prefer) that are truck based. What I posted what BMW stats, while I do expect to see smaller SUV’s sell better than larger ones. The base fact is a large portion of buyers are looking for the smallest footprint and best mileage and best bang for their money. Mini is going into a area that there are already many micro SUV’s.
I think that the R60 will be successful if for no other reason than drivers need the largest footprint they can afford to feel better about themselves. I also believe that since the R60 is going to share the same platform as the X1 that we are going to have the exact same issue we currently have between the Factory JCW and the 1 Series. The product placement is in my opinion to close to allow either clear definition.
Btw wasn’t doom and gloom on the slushbox, merely massive dislike for auto’s ;)
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paul Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Just imagine if the Clubman was the first product that Mini introduced years ago and then they followed up with a shortened version with a totally functionless rear seat. I can almost hear they outcries of disgust now.
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Matt Gifford Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
> The new MINIs are ugly, over sized, and as Jeremy Clarkson puts it, a toilet.
And what were you saying when classic Mini owners decrying the R53 because of its size? Now that was a big change.
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Jon Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Not from me Paul, you see a coupe has historical precedence unlike a luxury suv in the Mini ranks. Matter fact a SUV with Mini on it pretty much turns its back on what Sir Alec’s well stated point of view. So far BMW/Mini have stuck to the pedigree of the brand, something that the R60 has pretty much ignored. I still think it will be succesfull.
C4, so anybody that has any other view from yours should leave the brand? Very little positive change is ever made from blind acceptace, debate is good for the brand.
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Mr. Bean Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Matt Gifford, Hmmm… Well let me put it this way. Remember the thunderbird? it was a nice, little, 2 seater sports car. Eventually it got bigger, uglier, heavier, and less performance oriented. I just don’t want the MINI to take that route. As for the classic owners, the R53 was a new, modern take on the greatest car ever built, being built by modern standards. The R53 is small by today’s standards, and besides, the MINI is a car for people who want a small, fast car. Its a niche car, and they should keep it a niche car. If they build an SUV, five door, or anything else, everyone will have a MINI and it will no longer be cool to have a MINI. “Oh, the standard mini doesn’t have space for a car seat!” boo-hoo. don’t get one then. why do we have to ruin the mini brand so everyone can have one?
Anyway, Those are my thoughts. (P.S, C4, considering that comment about the KIA, I imagine that is what you drive.)
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paul Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
a Mini SAV? Yeah right, next thing you know Porsche will come out with an SUV.
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Sam Miller Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
I don’t know about the rest of you, but i’m enjoying the fight between C4 and Mr. Bean more than the article.
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Mr. Bean Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
C4, Ya know what? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoke my opinion. I was wrong. Ya know what?
I JUST LOVE THE NEW MINI. I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE A MINI BOAT, A MINI SUV, TRUCK, RV, DIRT BIKE, CHOPPER, HELICOPTER, AND EVERYTHING THEY CAN THINK OF. I THINK THE 2ND GEN MINI ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CARS ON THE ROAD.
If you can’t speak your opinion without being grilled, then what is this world coming to. Geez, happy now?
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Mr. Bean Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Matt Gifford. I just don’t want the MINI to end up like the thunderbird. the t bird was a small two seater and then it became bigger, heavier, and uglier. As for the classic mini owners, what can i say, the new mini is a modern take on a classic. It was bigger than the classic, but still very small by todays standards. Now the R56 is bigger, but not big enough for a car seat for families. If they make a mini for everyone, minis will be everywhere and it will be no longer cool to own a mini. If it can’t fit a car seat then don’t get one.
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Jon Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Everybody calm down. This isn’t NAM; let’s try to keep this place civilized.
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Mr. Bean Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Jon. You are so true. I am a member of NAM and I get grilled all the time. I strongly dislike people like C4 and think they need to (censored) respect others opinions. Your comment made my day.
Thanks
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Jon Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
Not bashing C4 either Bean, think all opinions have value and debate is a good thing for our brand. C4 has some really good insights and views just like everybody else. I just tend to think our community has room for all sorts of different view points. Mine is no more true or wrong than anybody else’s, the diversity of people and views is one of the greatest aspects of the Mini community.
Just my point of view :)
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paul Jul 2nd, 2008 Link
I don’t see any danger of MINI going the T-Bird route. Hopefully, in expanding the line up they’ll continue to make vehicles that set new standards and give a diverse spectrum of buyers something to get passionate about. Just because the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 are bland appliances doesn’t mean that MINI can’t get it right. btw, is there a historical president for the MINI Convertible?
ReplyComments for this post are currently closed.
Please check back tomorrow morning.
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Rogan Thomson Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-media/159286-five-door-mini-hatchback-autocar.html
Theres an article on it in the british Autocar Magazine this week
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RB Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
Wow, pretty intense stuff. Like, it’s just a car not a global warming debate. I personally think the article over at Autocar.co.uk had a more realistic view and the SAV pictured there I think might be kinda kool.
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greg Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
Hey Mr. Bean. I censor your suggestion that C4 or anyone be censored. This is everyone’s site to express their opinion regardless if you or I like it or not.
I happen to agree with you as I would like the Mini to stay exclusive (way cooler) and not try to be all things to all people. I’m not a fan (I’m actually a former R56 owner who switched back to an R53)of the new models, however, the Clubman is a nod to the cars history. Don’t know about the SAV. I still am scratching my head over the Cayenne but lots of people buy them.
And again, this site is just about cars. I hope everyone remembers to keep it that way.
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Mr. Bean Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
Greg, Well, that was a caught up in the moment comment. I just hate it when people throw down other peoples opinions, just cause they don’t like it. I don’t think anyone’s comment should be deleted. I am just mad because the “Motoringfile police” deleted my 1st comment, and I have just as much right to say I hate the mini suv idea, as the person who says the love it. Hey, i said I absolutely love my mini, i don’t want the mini brand to die though. I just don’t like the way mini is going.
Thats my opinion and noone is gonna make me change it.
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Vanwall Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
Time for ice cream and pie – cranky children must spend time-out in the corner, tho, so some of you will miss out on the goodies, looks like. Ain’t you learned yet? – it’s MF’s sandbox, so they get to say what stays, and more importantly, what goes, so play nice, li’l chillens.
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Mr. Bean Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
Clearly this thread has gone down the wrong road. What do you guys say we just stop talking about this conflict and let me say this.
I think everyone on this site has the right to say their opinion and I think it was wrong for you guys to beat me up for mine.
That’s it. End of discussion. Back on topic. Shall we?
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Hai Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
I’m still waiting for MINI to announce a hybrid model. I own a 2004 Cooper and do not like MINI’s current offerings.
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C4 Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
I do not see hybrids in MINI’s future. Why? Because they will jack up the price of the car to the stratosphere, add weight/complexity (Most of it uneeded to the car) and… Where are you going to put the batteries? On the roof?
MINI already has a Toyota Prius killer in European roads…. Its called the MINI Cooper “D” (Aka the “Dooper”). 70 MPG in the highway all thanks to a high tech BMW-PSA Prince 1600cc diesel engine. You can’t argue with a 650 mile range per tankful.
I personally find Hybrids amusing and wasteful. Diesel is the best solution. The batteries used in Hybrids cause pollution in their manufacture and disposal. Of course, Toyota, the almighty green company will never tell you that…
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goat Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
I very much like the civil way Hal phrased things above and so will echo his words: “I own a [2006 JCW] and also do not like MINI’s current offerings.” :)
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Jon Jul 3rd, 2008 Link
C4, did you happen to notice what you just said ;)
” Because they will jack up the price of the car to the stratosphere, add weight/complexity “
Lol I concur totally,the R60 will be jacked up on price, it will add weight/complexity with its four doors and 4 wheel drive.
Just poking fun
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Aaron Jul 4th, 2008 Link
Well, the Mini Cooper D may get great mileage but we all know it won’t come to the US due to its inability to meet the emissions standards here. I like diesels too. I don’t live in the US right now and diesels are extremely popular and reliable where I am. However, there are quite a few mor eadvantages that the Prius has over the Mini Cooper D. Take…oh…a real back seat and two more doors. Yeah, the steering was designed by fisher-price, but it gets better mileage than any 5-seater car available in the US.
I would not be surprised if MINI went for a 50-state diesel or even a hybrid with the R60 platform. If the market is there, why not? The car will be big enough to carry appropriate volume urea tanks or a battery for the hybrid drive. And there will still be room for an easy-access baby seat in the back. We’ll see.
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Dr Obnxs Jul 4th, 2008 Link
Businesses are like sharks.. If they stop going forward, they die. If Mini doesn’t offer more and grow, the money behind it will go elsewhere. What you need to look for isn’t preserving the past, but how can Mini add to the brand and keep some version of what the early adopters liked in the first place to keep them happy. Porsche with no SUV wouldn’t be in the position it’s in now…
BMW SAVs shouldn’t be lumped with what Mini is going to do because of the weight/price/target market they’re going for. Jon, your implication that the new 4wd Mini will fail because of the trend in the larger BMWs just doesn’t make any sense at all.
Matt
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nuvolari Jul 5th, 2008 Link
Porsche with no SUV wouldn’t be in the position it’s in now…
That position being a once great marque that is now forever tarnished…
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Jon Jul 5th, 2008 Link
Matt,
I hear what your saying. I do think that the historical pedigree is still important for our brand. Its obviously not the only thing a manufacture needs to consider but I do think it still has a good deal of importance.
I agree that Porsche is in a much better place financially today because of building a SUV, however it has caused more than a small rift in the Porsche community. I do feel similar things are bound to happen in the Mini community.
Having said all this Matt, find any response from me ever where I have said the R69 will fail, quite on the contrary I have said time and time again that I expect this to be a successful development (no accounting for taste lol). I think this will somewhat tarnish the brand image somewhat with the general public and do much more harm than good to the community. Btw lumped it into the BMW SUV’s since its sharing its platform with the X1.
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Dr Obnxs Jul 7th, 2008 Link
Small rift for Porsche fans fine… They can biatch all they want, but there are more verieties of 911 available for the “purists” to argue over than if there were no SUVs. I honestly don’t know how many of the “Porsche screwed the coop” people are willing to acknowledge that, or what Porsche would be today if it didn’t have the cash flow and growth to stay Porsche. Just think if GM had bought them!
So Nuvolari, do you think Porsche purists would rather have a Porsche that had to shrink and offer less cars, or be a devision of some other company with “no tarnish” or have the SUVs to argue about that subsidize the diversity of 911s that can’t sustain on thier own? Really, it’s not right to compare what is to what is suggested to be perfect, but rather to compare what is to what would have happened.
If they’re pissed at the SUV, what about the hybrid plans or the 4-door? Just more to fight about, I guess….
Matt
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Jon Jul 7th, 2008 Link
I know more than a few Porsche owners that have nothing but contempt for SUV’s with Porsche badging. I have no problems with Mini growing its brand. I however think the money used developing a SUV would have been much better spent working on a hybrid or coming up with another concept that is a revolutionary as the Mini was when it was released.
I just don’t particularly think the brand really needs a SUV, honestly is this really what the best and brightest at BMW/Mini could come up with?
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Hoover Jul 7th, 2008 Link
I’d use the term “broken record” to describe many of the comments above. Same posters. Same discussion. Snooze.
Don’t we really want to know if there will, indeed, be a 5-door hatchback? That’s the MINI I would like to see. That’s the MINI that I could justify to my wife. A MINI wagon, with 4 proper doors, a hatchback, room for 4 adults, and a boot that could hold a few grocery bags. Who wouldn’t want this car? Or rather, who, with a brain, wouldn’t want this car? I don’t need AWD. I don’t like funky doors. Extend the MINI, and I would buy.
I would think that it would make more sense for MINI to offer something that would be upscale and appealing to those considering a Mazda3 or Honda Fit, and those needing a bit of utility.
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Jon Jul 8th, 2008 Link
Could just be me C4 but think more than I could be included in that group. Though many of the debates on the R60 think most people posting on Motoringfile have stated views. I would bet that few of them have changed either since they were made.
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