We’ve had several readers email us asking if the new MINI cross-over will have a standard hatch-back or Clubman-esque barn-doors. We now have an answer. According to a couple of our sources the R60 will indeed feature a standard hatch like the one seen on the MINI coupe.
For more R60 information be sure to check out the R60 section.
You know, I have really come to appreciate and enjoy the practicality afforded by the rear barn doors in the Clubman. I really like them and don’t find them intrusive or akward to operate. It seems to me they put less stress on the body on every open/close cycle.
The advantage of the hatchback is the better visibility because you lose the center pillar created by the barn doors.
I am very interested in the R60. Either that or a Clubman will surely be my next MINI.
Phew! I hope you guy are spot on on this one. I am interested in the R60 and barn doors are a deal breaker for me.
Thank you! Would love to replace our small SUV with the R60 and I was really hoping to have a normal hatch on it. I understand the practicality of the barn doors, but I’ve always been a hatch lover.
Think this a good move by Mini. Clubman owners should also be happy that one of the design keys of their cars is still unique. Not to surprised that they have chosen to go back to the hatch.
As a Clubman owner I’m a big fan of the barn doors. Since I transport my two dogs and do the occasional rescue dog transport the functionality of the doors is a big help.
Jim
Seems to be two camps on this issue… with total disregard to cost, why not make it a customizable option! 😉
A split “wagon” type door would be best for me. I like being able to drop the door to extend the load bay, and raise the glass to access the back without fear of anything spilling out. Also, the glass keeps rain off you.
What about a Three door, barn on top glass, drop down below like on my convertible. That would work best
No one has posed that question?
I am sure they are going with the hatch since its already been announced by Gabe thats the official word heh.
Pretty sure only barn-doors or hatch would be fitted to keep the development cost low.
I agree with MNI DRVR, it seems like Mini could make them option. My guess it really was just a “historical design choice” more than anything.
I’ve had my MCc for only 2+ weeks, and although I prefer the cleaner design with a hatch, so far the barn doors are working out just fine. I usually only need to open one door which is large enough for a grocery bag, and since the trunk is deeper than the regular Mini, I can also load my gym bag “lengthwise” through the one door.
You do have to remember to allow enough space behind the car and on each side for the doors to swing open, but once you get used to that it’s not a problem. They are very easy to open and close so that would be helpful for some people.
The current design with the extra roof overhang does provide some rain protection, plus I think the resulting airflow pattern helps keep the rear window cleaner. I would also prefer to not have the center pillar, but it really hasn’t been a problem at all.
I’m still not crazy about the rear design of the MCc, which is way too busy when it has a Silver “smiley face”. That’s why I got the rear trim in Black, since it retains the “wrap around” band of glass and is not so “contrasting”. I also got an Anthracite headliner which really helps all the interior pillars to “disappear from view” from both the inside and outside.
I almost didn’t buy a MCc until I actually saw one in all Red with Black trim on my way home from the showroom, and then went back the next weekend to order it.
Looks like the R60 or a derivative wagon will be my next car. I do like Chad’s suggestion. Might be good for those of us with dogs that don’t want to risk scratching the rear bumper.
That’s Strike 1…
Chad – definitely agree with what you are suggesting. My father-in-law has a Hyundai which has a 4wd hatch, which has a pop-out release swing window, so that you can pop open the rear window for accessing the rear payload area or transporting, and/or simply swing the rear hatch up with the rear window closed.
I remember the old station wagons where you could manually lower the rear window – although electric would be better / easier. Either way, one (or a combination of) these options would enhance the R60 product offering’s uniqueness and enhance its utility.