Helmut Panke, chairman of the BMW Group has an extensive interview in month's Automobile Magazine. In it he discusses everything from the upcoming 1 series BMW to the 4 door MINI. Here's an excerpt from the article:
He wouldn't elaborate on what evolution [of the new 1 series] meant but we was more forthcoming about why a 5 door MINI [4 doors plus the hatch = 5] has been pushed back to 2008. “I would really like to do a second MINI model range. But I simply have not found the right approach. You see, brands need to be treated with diligence and care. There is certainly plenty of talent on the case, but we still need a little more time”.
Sounds like the introduction of the 2nd model range might coincide with the new version of the MINI based on the new BMW/Puegoet engine program. It looks like the Cabrio might be the only other variation that we'll see in this lifecycle.
You can find more information on the 4 door MINI in this post.
<p>As an outdoor enthusiast the ultimate MINI for me would be an AWD Wagon. I love the current MINI and I am retiring my tired, old 89 landrover but I do know that those times when I am wanting to get up into the mountains I will miss the 4WD.</p>
<p>I think Helmut Panke is full of BS. There is a growing market that would jump all over a 5 door MINI hatchback or wagon. It can be done in the current version but obviously he chooses not to. Is not because it can't be done engineering wise I think it is more a matter or Euros and cents.</p>
<p>Helmut, c'mmon! wake up and smell the coffee!!</p>
<p>Keep It Relevant! If you really like the look of a mini cooper WAIT until the company locates the problems and discovers the solutions.
The mini cooper is a great looking body but with menacing under- the- bonnet problems!<br />
Every mini cooper jerks unevenly like a 20year old jalopy at low speeds. The serviceman at the company is looking into this problem. He said he does not expect yet another recall: the onus is on the owner to keep in contact with BMW at Sterling to find when they have corrected this.<br />
Mine is now 15 months old and alas has never felt like a new car.
Ff urther after a year of run around and practised blank looks the servicepeople said recently that it could still take months to diagnose and rectify! In bumper to bumper traffic this is a safety hazard.<br />
While unexpected adjustments may appear in new car buying, the incidence of engine or transmission faults should not.<br />
NEW car?
BMW Service has admitted the problem but has still not rectified it. My car has been in for service for this specific problem three times – it first stalled on delivery from the showroom on collection. Alas. Still no solution. The technicians say it is a problem of ALL mini's though more noticeable in the automatics on account of the extra weight. I do not understand this but it is what I was told.<br />
Please please let me know if you have any information on this.<br />
The air conditioning: roars like a tiger with a cat burglars' whisper of cool air. The BMW logo not on the car? No surprise.
It's a cute looking model. 2002. I will accept any offers.
At 25mpg it is not the fuel efficient vehicle that is promised though it does park in almost a bicycle space. Will accept cash, credit or swap. Please contact me asap.</p>
<p>OK, I have to ask, if you can't stand your MINI so much, why are you surfing a MINI news blog? Yes, it is quite shamefull that the studder still exists. But my First Year build MCS still feels like a new car to me.</p>
<p>After 30,000 miles mine feels fantastic. The 5-speed is slicker than ever and the overall quality continues to impress.</p>
<p>Every MINI <em>does not</em> “jerks unevenly like a 20year old jalopy”. Typically it's usually just the MCS and it's not even all of them. Whats more the new CD35 reduces the problem and they will be a new update coming out by end of the year to eliminate it.</p>
<p>I have a 2003 (sept 2002) build MCS with 33k miles. No stumble, yo-yo, etc…Just great driving!</p>
<p>I have always wanted a mini, but the only problem is I can not have a 2 door car. I would love a wagon or 4 door sedan.</p>
<p>I love the way the mini cooper looks but with 3 growing kids, a 2 door car is unpractical. A four door mini would be great. I like the convertible too but still leaves the problem of only two doors. That will come when the kids are gone. =)</p>
<p>5 door….is totally the way to go. I can wait.</p>
It’s what I’m waiting for..the reason I currently don’t own a Mini. I only hope they can make it drive like the current models.
Does any one know, is there a 5 door mini, anywhere?
my mini is fantastic. i have had it for Three and a half years. Absolutely no probs. It is the Cooper, so could do with a bit more power (which the new Mini does have). Brilliant car to drive, although suspension is a bit hard, i don’t have suspension plus.
i have seen 5 door concept car pictures in BMW Mini showrooms, but not recently. they showed the rear doors like the Mazda RX8 rears, which i thought for a small car would be an ideal solution.
i would love to buy a 5 door mini, but it would have to be slightly longer, which may spoil the look.
but i am going to buy a new mini cooper in the near future. it will be in a solid colour. I’m not to keen on the metallics. i currently own a yellow Mini. Next one will be white.
i’m sure if enough people request it BMW may consider it.
<p>would love to have a mini – but with my backyard parking – any car has to be not longer than 14 feet or even shorter. length is my problem.</p>