Real-Life Photos of the MINI Crossover Concept

Chad Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

Oh concept vehicle, why do you tease me so!

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DBM Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

Is it me or does thing not look that “mini”?

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eager2own Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

wow! that big-eyed, open-mouth fish look is one not even a mother could love.

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Shamus Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

Oh, I don’t know… I kinda like it. Being a dog-guy, I see a lot of the old bull dog in it. A bit bulbous, wrinkly and out of proportion, but oddly endearing. If we eliminate the “concept” crud (doors, globe, etc.), I think it’ll be a really unique car to add to an otherwise boring automotive market.

Keep in mind though, I’m still against the idea of an SAV to begin with. The other ideas for MINI versions seem more appealing and true to the brand ideology.

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bling Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

I want those wheels for my car.

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GSKChicago Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

I can’t say if I like it or don’t like it yet, I’ll let it stew a bit and see. But the one thought that comes to mind… This reminds me of a concept vehicle you’d see from back in the 50’s or 60’s of what the “Car of the Future” might look like. The perception they had way back when of cars of today. Just gave me that feel. Not sure I’m communicating my thoughts well. In any event…. Not sure.

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SFRedMCc Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

The turquoise and white color combo is really “retro”, although too “girly” for me. Still don’t like that clunky “football helmet” roof line. Also, I’m surprised to see that the gas filler cap is now on the right side.

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JonPD Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

Not really much new to see from the previous video and pictures. Can say though the biggest weak point I see are the taillights, not flattering to the shape of the car at all.

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Zack Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

It looks bigger than what I anticipated it to be. Nothing that “MINI” about it.

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Aurel Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

yeah. either that crowd is really vertically challenged or its really a big car.

it looks especially big in the photos with the person in the passanger seat.

I am kind of digging it though.

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brad. Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

@bling

me too. i dig the wheels. and the integrated driving lights.

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nervous Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

Looking closely at Picture 2 of 28, it would appear that this car stinks…

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Eliot R. Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

I love it. Funky, which is all a MINI a has to be.

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lavardera Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

I have to say that I like it better than the BMW X1 concept which is boring.

Looks like they have a different set of wheels on each side.

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Sportty Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

I have to say I really like these shots. Now if only they can make it in a hybrid.

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Danf Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

I hope the tail pipes aren’t sticking out to far…….hehe

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Billy Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

The pannel gap where the hood (or bonnet, here in the UK!) meets the wheel arch extension looks pretty much the same as you’ll find with any R55, 6 or 7! Lol – seems even the niggles get into our concept vehicles…shame. I ‘like’ the use of a standard door mirror aswell…

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Viley Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

Million dollar question: can you picture putting bonnet stripes, checkered roofs, Union Jack decals, etc. on this?

It just doesn’t lend itself to the MINI aura for me, and believe me, I really really wanted to like it.

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gmini Oct 2nd, 2008 Link

finally. people. thank you, gabe.

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O(=^=)O Capn Oct 3rd, 2008 Link

Hmmn, I for one have been looking forward to this.

Lose the “football helmet”, Lose the overhangs and put the wheels in the corner where they belong, it is a MINI not a Bimmer, Love the wheels, both pairs. Lose the overstatedness of it. It looks blatantly big everywhere to make it more SUVish? UnMINI. What are those bars on the rear door supposed to be?

Do they even put engines in these things? That side door is trick! Not digging those headlights, but I guess I am not supposed to.

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Aaron Oct 3rd, 2008 Link

Some interesting design elements. I still like how the front end reminds me of the classic Mini look (just bigger). There are a lot of things I don’t like about the look, but I’m still intrigued that the designers are being creative and exploring different takes on what makes a MINI. I wish there were photos taken along the driver’s side (in a LHD car), showing the interior of the car with the door and sliding door open.

I agree with a lot of previous comments: Tail lights are too narrow; MINI logo on back is, ironically, obscenely huge; the PT Cruiser like back end (in my book, an immediate no go…I don’t want to drive a car that reminds me of Steve Urkel). While I like the lack of a C beam in the rear corners, I do not like how the roof narrows behind the rear door’s window glass.

I would love to see if the command control globe concept actually functions, and how the mid-car sushi bar concept works. If MINI keeps that concept, it would be totally in line with their humor in marketing approach to include a sushi boat as a gag gift with each car.

It will be really interesting to see how this car progresses through the upcoming car shows.

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Robert Oct 3rd, 2008 Link

FUGLY! and what’s with the different wheels? The overall pics show 1 wheel type and the close ups show a different wheel. This does not a MINI make!

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gokartride Oct 3rd, 2008 Link

I like it overall…but I will say it’s become clear that critical analysis of scale via pics is tricky at best. Then again that’s all we have. Therefore I’ll give the SAV the benefit of the doubt, fairly confident that a 4WD, increased-access MINI will probably sell well and meet a lot of people’s real-life needs. I only hope this finally gets the “bigger” thing out of MINI’s system and, having spent ample time gazing in that direction, that we can devote more energy getting back into “small.”

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Mk1 Oct 3rd, 2008 Link

I agree with the passenger in pic 2

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beken Oct 3rd, 2008 Link

Did the gas filler door switch sides?

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RGC Oct 3rd, 2008 Link

Where are the pics of the driver’s side with the funky rear door? Gotta get rid of the Cadillac taillights.

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David Foster Oct 7th, 2008 Link

Crossover looks just right ~ I have the latest high spec Cooper at the minute, and was considering a JCW…..

but now, it’ll be a crossover for me ~ it makes a statement ~ that I’m out to play

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