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(This news was originally press embargoed until tomorrow evening but with several sites breaking the agreed upon embargo we thought it was necessary to post.)
The MINI Crossover Concept.
Official MINI Press Release: The MINI brand is continuing its overwhelming story of success – now taking a new approach with the MINI Crossover Concept.
This Design Study offers a fascinating outlook at a new facet of the brand powerfully expressed by a truly innovative body concept – the fourth body variant, to be precise, following the classic two-door, the MINI Convertible, and the MINI Clubman.
The MINI Crossover Concept is a new model variant for the first time measuring more than four metres in length, with four drive wheels, four doors and four single seats. These features alone place the new car right in the line of vision of new target groups seeking to combine the individual style of the brand with enhanced versatility within the interior and innovative functionality throughout.
A universal, multifunction fastening rail, the MINI Center Rail, extending between the seats on the centre console of the MINI Crossover Concept, offers not only offers unconventional storage options, but also provides a consistent link between the front row of seats and the rear.
A further highlight within the MINI interior is the innovative central instrument in three-dimensional finish, the MINI Centre Globe.
This combined control and display unit formed as a globe featured for the first time in an automobile worldwide sets new standards for the integrated control of entertainment, communication, navigation, and vehicle functions.
The MINI Crossover reflects not only the potential of the MINI model family in growing further and further to new dimensions, but also the innovative power of MINI’s designers. In this case, the outlook at an additional MINI concept is enriched by a wide range of visions expressing a unique driving experience and way of life only a MINI is able to evoke.
All innovations presented in the MINI Crossover Concept are conceived to expand that characteristic MINI feeling by yet another new dimension.
The innovative character of the new car comprises its body design as well as the drivetrain, the interior and the control concept. Indeed, offering options and versatility of this kind, the MINI Crossover Concept opens up new dimensions in mobility also beyond urban life.
All-wheel drive – the foundation for a new MINI feeling.
A new MINI offers more – and does so in unique style every time.
The MINI Crossover Concept clearly expresses this principle, its all-wheel drive serving to give the new model an even wider range of practical use in new areas and a new experience on routes already driven. But in doing so the MINI Crossover Concept is not limited to the usual status of a conventional all-wheeler. Rather, to offer its additional mobility potential even more consistently, the Concept Car comes with numerous design features making it an all-round talent for a unique experience in everyday life, for enjoying leisure time to the utmost, for adventure travels of all kinds and for travel planning. Hence, the MINI Crossover Concept looks at new objectives and, at the same time, new target groups.
Four metres in length – more calibre, more options.
As a consistent enhancement of the MINI model family, the MINI Crossover Concept offers new calibre and new format in every respect. This is the first MINI to measure more than four metres in length. And measuring 1,830 millimetres/72.0″ in width as well as 1,598 millimetres/62.9″ in height, the MINI Crossover Concept goes beyond the existing production models from MINI also in this respect. Wheelbase, finally, is 2,606 millimetres/102.6″, again ensuring an even more powerful stance on the road.
These exterior dimensions of the Concept Car are a clear symbol of the quest for additional options in driving the car and in the new, enhanced driving experience.
The MINI Crossover Concept offers extra space and mobility at the rear as well as a capacity to transport never seen before in a MINI. Added to all this, there is enhanced flexibility in splitting up the interior space, catering for all individual wishes and demands.
Combining its unique design with outstanding agility by no means restricted to the beaten track alone, the MINI Crossover Concept holds a unique position within the MINI segment. At the same time it clearly stands out as a member of the MINI model family through the appropriate re-interpretation of design elements typical of the brand. The MINI Crossover Concept thus symbolises the breakthrough into a new category of vehicles, broadening the appeal of the brand to an even larger target group.
Four doors – new diversity through asymmetric arrangement.
With two doors on each side of the car, the MINI Crossover Concept offers particularly comfortable access to the rear. Here again, therefore, the new model enhances the options and qualities offered so far by the existing body concepts of the MINI.
But even this is not all: The MINI Crossover Concept is not a four-door in the classic sense, as is clearly expressed by the asymmetric arrangement of the doors in the Design Study. A conventional arrangement of doors is to be found only on the front passenger’s side, while on the driver’s side the MINI Crossover Concept comes with a conventional door for the first row of seats plus a lift/sliding door moving along the outside for convenient access to the rear and for loading the car from the side. And by dropping the B-pillar on the driver’s side, the MINI Crossover Concept exhausts the potential of this generous opening to an even higher degree. Frameless side windows, finally, are yet another feature of this truly exceptional four-door.
The rear door swivelling to one side, together with its frameless and retractable rear window, likewise offers an even higher standard of practical use and most convenient loading conditions. Thanks to the large opening and the low loading sill, sports equipment and other, even bulkier objects can be loaded conveniently into the luggage space offering even larger capacity when required by lowering the individually folding rear seats completely into the floor of the car with the help of a parallelogram kinematic mechanism.
Storage capacities may then be increased even further by a transport case fitted outside on the rear door. And last but certainly not least, the roof rail system available on the MINI Crossover Concept is simply ideal for fitting ski, snowboard and bicycle carriers as well as transport boxes of all sizes.
The roof structure of the MINI Crossover Concept offers further options in enhancing everyday driving qualities and leisure-time enjoyment. As a folding roof cover extending throughout the entire length of the roof, the roof structure may be opened both from the front and from the rear, letting either fresh air or warm sunshine into the car – or both, depending on the driver’s and passengers’ wishes.
The opening at the rear also serves to accommodate extremely long objects transported in the car, ranging from a surfboard all the way to cross-country skis. So even in this case, transporting anything the driver wishes to take along is easy and convenient.
Four single seats – for maximum comfort inside the MINI.
The MINI Crossover Concept stands out not only as an unconventional, but rather as a truly exceptional four-seater. The single seats at the rear, to mention perhaps the most significant highlight, come in the same contours as the driver’s and front passenger’s seats and are adjustable by 13 centimetres or 5.1″ fore-and-aft. So depending on individual requirements, the rear seats offer either lounge-like legroom or additional storage capacity in the rear compartment.
The MINI Center Globe – a new vision of the central instrument of the future.
Featuring their round Central Display right in the middle of the dashboard, the current MINIs already boast an interior design feature quite unique and unmistakable in its look. Indeed, this multi-function display serves to conveniently control all major entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions, providing the speedometer function around its outer circumference.
Now the MINI Crossover Concept introduces the consistent enhancement of this display and control concept: the MINI Center Globe. For the first time, therefore, the central display and control unit is designed in this Concept Study as a globe. This three-dimensional layout allows even more consistent integration of functions and the appropriate presentation of information and entertainment options. In addition to the vertical and horizontal display features currently available, the new instrument adds a further, three-dimensional element with displays stratified on various levels and highlighted to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the driver’s and front passenger’s requirements. The current speed of the car, finally, is shown as before in typical MINI style on the display round the edge.
To clearly, flexibly and legibly present all information at all times, the MINI Center Globe comes with ultra-modern laser projection technology. With its unique optical features, the laser projector allows simultaneous presentation of pictures on various levels, with a varying focus and in powerful colours.
Benefiting from this technology never seen before in an automobile worldwide, the MINI Crossover Concept is also able to optically separate the MINI Centre Globe into two hemispheres. These adjustable, moving hemispheres then enable the driver and front passenger to present and view different pictures recognisable only from their individual perspective. In other words, the front passenger may for example surf the net while the driver maintains his free view of all displays and instruments.
To provide this special effect, the hemisphere facing the front passenger closes down from the other side and acts as a projection surface presenting the pictures required.
The MINI Centere Globe presented in this Design Study already shows today what options are conceivable in terms of navigation, communication and entertainment in the car of the future, using innovative technologies of this outstanding calibre.
The driver and/or front passenger operate the MINI Centre Globe by a touch-sensitive surface, a trackball on the steering wheel, buttons and slide controls in the lower section of the MINI Centre Globe, and a keyboard on the front passenger’s side extending at the touch of a button from the dashboard.
Such versatile and flexible use of the MINI Center Globe gives this new control unit the character of an innovative travel companion adjusting at all times to the individual wishes of the driver and front passenger and helping them enjoy mobility in a new dimension wherever they go.
The MINI Centre Globe is additionally linked to the starter system for the engine. Instead of a conventional key, the driver uses a start/stop unit referred to as the Keyball.
To start the car, all the driver has to do is insert the Keyball on the MINI Crossover into the appropriate opening in the upper edge of the MINI Centre Globe. The Keyball then rolling towards the driver along the middle of the MINI Centre Globe. In this position the driver is able to press the Keyball in order to start the engine. Pressing the Keyball again, in turn, he switches off the engine and the Keyball rolls down into its housing bay from where the driver can conveniently remove the ball.
The MINI Centre Rail – a perfect connection bringing the MINI team front and rear together.
Instead of a conventional centre consol, the MINI Crossover Concept comes with a fastening rail referred to as the MINI Centre Rail and extending from the dashboard all the way to the tailgate of the car. This is indeed the connecting unit between the front and the rear seats.
Holders for entertainment and telecommunication devices, cupholders, storage units and boxes may be conveniently attached to this rail and subsequently pushed forward or backward along the entire length of the car.
A special fastening system developed specifically for MINI serves to attach individual items to the Centre Rail, for example an external music player and other devices, storage boxes and holders for sunglasses, gloves, tickets for parking, coins, writing utensils or a travel guide, as well as all other kinds of holders and supports.
An armrest with an integrated storage box, to mention another example, may be attached both at the front and at the rear.
The Centre Rail also facilitates the common use of storage boxes and devices and makes it much easier to pass on food and drinks to the rear-seat passengers while driving.
In the MINI Crossover Concept this pleasure of enjoying all the benefits of motoring together is symbolised by a special collection of dishes and cups made of unique porcelain created specifically for the new Concept Car.
Four sophisticated materials for a truly exclusive ambience.
Such use of top-quality porcelain highlights the exclusive lifestyle character borne out in the MINI Crossover Concept also in conjunction with three further, particularly exclusive materials in the interior: Around the instrument panel genuine wood trim extends across the entire width of the car. The armrests on the doors and the inlays in the footwells, in turn, are made of massive lime wood. Inlays made of specially hardened, lagoon-blue glass, in turn, highlight the door linings as well as the surrounds on the air vents.
Like the door closing handles on the front passenger’s side, the MINI Centre Rail is made of massive, matt-polished aluminium. Looking at the appropriate colours for the interior, in turn, the designers opted for natural, authentic shades, the Dark Green leather on the driver’s seat standing out clearly from the Coffee Brown leather on the other seats. The remaining cloth surfaces are finished in Light Grey and Light Brown, with a soft rubber cover adorned by wood inlays in the footwells.
Quite honestly the ugliest thing ever to come out of MINI.
Wow, there it is. I am very interested to see what Mini will end up doing with this. The details, i mean. Hopefully it will be the X5 of Minis, except still somehow retain that Mini allure.
We will just have to wait.
Abandon concept please…
Wow, and I thought the R55/56/57 was a visual mess.
It pains the eyes greatly to look upon.
Guess for me its that you could come close to parking a classic inside the R60’s wheel base. I consider this nothing but arrogance at BMW/Mini, in a single breath take everything that Mini stands for and toss it into the dust bin.
Pretty much the only wave a R60 will ever get from me is a true brit two finger salute 😉
Wow, flame away already! Am I the only one who remembers the same universal backlash that everyone seemed to have for the Clubman Concepts when they came out? Ignore the dash globe-thingy, replace odd door opening mechanisms with the standard 4-doors from the last picture, and tone down the overall design treatment a bit, and you probably have a good idea of the final product.
If I squint my eyes and look through the kitsch, I see a nice idea in the making.
This is what happens when a Porsche Cayenne and a Hyundai SantaFe have a baby! The new Mini Crossover!
What it means to drive a MINI has now completely changed. There is nothing small, stylish or sporty about that car. MINI is no longer a funky niche brand…it’s a mass market cash cow. Still…what choice did they have…they’ll sell a bucket load and produce a return for their shareholders…job done I guess.
I love it.
As out of character as this crossover may be for the brand it is also entirely necessary for the sake of increasing the brands appeal to consumers. I’m one of them. As much as I love the Cooper and CLubman both are a little small for me, and as time progresses and I plan on starting a family, abd I may not want to spend the money going to an X3 or loose the qualities in a car that are unique to the MINI and make MINI so spacial. May not work for you but it works for someone else.
Ok, one question.. What were they smoking when they came up with the globe in the center console?? LOL Its like they hired Homer Simpson to design it, we all know how that ended up..
and you thought bangle butchered the BMW’s …..you ain’t seen nothing yet
Actually Shamus can only speak for myself but liked the Clubman concept (actually much more than the production Clubman). Still think this will sell well, then again all sorts of people drive hideous cars so no surprise there. I however am quite certain that this is going to split the Mini community, there are more than a few out there that will never accept a Mini SUV.
Chris the counter point to yours, so if a Mini owner wants a 2ton truck Mini should make one, or maybe Mini should develop a Bugatti competition maybe Mini should spend its money there. No surprise I really don’t think our brand has to be everything to everybody.
Good step… Waiting for answer from Mercedes – Smart SUV.
Actually – Mini should mean mini. Not midi, maxi or giant. They can build whatever they want, but please don’t call it Mini. Call it X1, it would be nicer to all Mini owners. At least it would be true.
What a joke! Trash this idea!
Anyone else think this looks a lot like the last concept – which ended up looking nothing like the Clubman.
Oh No!!!! What is MINI thinking of? Trying to destroy the brand? I used to love my MINI including the branding etc… now I love my MINI despite this abomination.
I’m sure a lot of the wizbang stuff won’t actually make it onto a production vehicle (including the cool, yet bizarre door setup).
I’m not a fan of the Ute, and I think it betrays the brand – but all that aside, it does have some interesting design ideas. It will be a Mini, but it will never really be a Mini. How do 911 owners view Cayenne owners? I doubt they think of them as “real” Porsches. The same will be with the x-over, but if they help the company’s bottom line and bring more dealerships – more power to them.
Hopefully Mini will remain true to their heritage of fun driving with great economy with this little beast – but I’m a little worried too many compromises will be made. I’m not sure why people who want an SUV would think of Mini, but evidently there are people who want a Harley Davidson pickup truck, so who knows?!
Well, if that doesn’t kill MINI I’d be surprised.
A design exercise intended to display the multitude of ways to redefine “Ugly”.
…It hurts my eyes…
Fugly!
I still don’t hate it.
The boys at Top Gear will have fun with this.
I agree with Shamus.
All Mini concepts have ideas that will never get into the real world for one reason or another. This may well end up looking like a slightly longer and taller Clubman, with 4WD.
For all the people asking for a 4WD Mini to get all that power down from the Works package, this could be just what you need.
It is indeed bigger, but I don’t see how people can take the attitude of being “purists” when the new Mini is so much bigger than the original anyway. Here in the UK there are plenty of smaller cars which seem to have more interior space as well.
From what I can see, the Mini is all about a car that’s desirable to own. Nothing more. There’s no mission statement to say it’s got to be small, front wheel drive or anything like that. Personally, I think the soft-top looks a mess, but I know there’s a percentage of the market that will love it, and it doesn’t take away my driving pleasure.
I may be flamed for having an opinion, but probably by the same people that claim Mini’s appeal is individuality – something I’m expressing.
I thought MINIs were supposed to be, y’know…<em>mini</em>?
I actually think it looks pretty good. All except the door issue. What, it pained the designers to have more than 2 doors that opened in a similar fashion?
It’s pretty ugly. And I’m sure they’ll sell every one they can make.
Some mixed feelings about this concept……. Overall, I like it and much look forward to see the final product come 2011.
What I like:
– 4 full doors (Although I very much doubt we will see the rear left “sliding” door in a production model)
– All wheel drive (Not that I need it here in FL)
– Promise of improved rear passenger and cargo room
– The headlights actually are pointed straight forward like it used to be in the R53!
– I like the side marker light design… A huge improvement over the current “El cheapo” design.
– The center “MINI Globe” is awesome. As an IT guy, I can really come to appreciate these onboard gizmos.
– The 4WD stance looks better proportioned in the R60 concept. Ditto for the Clubman. To me this is the biggest drawback of the R56….It looks high off the ground for no apparent reason than to be different from the R53…. And it back fires on the R56 looks big time.
– I like the ’55 Chevy Nomad wagon inspired rear pillar/roof design and the small wrap around glass on the rear of the car. For those of you that don’t like the silver or black pillars of the current Clubman, this might be your answer.
I like the rear of the car. Too bad the production will not see the exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper cover. That was a disappointment when the production Clubman was shown as the 2005 Traveller concept had them.
Dislikes and doubts:
– I don’t like the rear tailgate that opens on one side. That screams Toyota RAV4 all over the place. Leave that piece of design to the Japanese automakers. I much prefer the dual barn door of the Clubman or a standard hatch. On the flip side, those wishing for a power rear window, the side tailgate maybe able to offer it from factory.
– Seems to have a higher center of gravity = sacrificed handling prowess?
– The side view of the vehicle is not that great to be honest.
– MINI design recycled the “old” 2005 Traveller concept and a basically added the new bits from the center pillar rearwards.
– The $17 million dollar question…. How much heavier is the R60 compared to the R55, 56 and 57?
– MINI is clearly going in the direction of the mainstream market. Both good and bad aspects to that decision.
Still too early to tell as the final production R60 is still 3 years away. Overall, I find the car a palatable offering, but I am still hooked into the R53 superb looks and the R55’s quirky design approach.
My favorite feature of this car has to be that 3D MINI Globe. Why do we have to wait until 2020 to get it? By then everyone would have copied it !
All I have to say is where is the “Triumph”. Here is a new concept from China. <a href="http://trekbikes.typepad.com/rec_and_fitness/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://trekbikes.typepad.com/rec_and_fitness/</a>
Whats with the different colour wing mirrors?
I like it.
(sorry, haters)
Jon, can I have some of whatever you have been smoking?
Oh, those wacky German engineers.
Longer and wider than a Land Rover Defender or Jeep Wrangler. That’s not very MINI.
The Globe sounds expensive and distracting.
It looks very much like the 3 concept cars that did the show tour a few years ago.
Frank – you must be blind – the head lights are more biased to the sides than the current platform by far. Look at the side view – you can see the entire perimeter of the trim.
The dropping of the top line of the window towards the rear reminds me of that Toyota SUV with the white roof (can’t remember the name) – that kind of gives me the shivers.
I like the variety of doors – crazy but it would be cool to see that. Anybody with a minivan loves those sliding doors, and frankly I like them knowing some careless kid can’t ding the side of my car with a sliding door.
Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Now that you mentioned it, I think the R60 takes a lot of cues from the FJ.
Much as I like the idea of a ruggedized MINI for off-road use, this concept vehicle’s style does nothing for me. The front end gives an impression that’s angry and aloof, not the friendly MINI look that defines the brand and has attracted so many buyers. The side view shows the significant (from a MINI perspective) overhang front and rear that doesn’t bode well for that go-kart handling MINI boasts about. The whole concept just looks like a radical departure from previous MINI design, tossing out much of what I love about the MINI in the process.
From a capability viewpoint I’m still looking forward to this vehicle, but I hope they tone down the machismo styling before they put it on the road. Macho + MINI = ugly
I like it. But as a concept. What I like about it will never make it to production. Doors, globe instrument, sunroof, etc.
It reminds me of one of those transformer toyz of a few years back. I wonder what it will transform into?
Oh yeah, I hope the tail pipes are well hidden and insulated……. 😉
I think these ‘concept’ pics are from a book given out to MTTS GP owners back in 2006.
Remember these are concept pics, I for one believe the finished article will be highly desired.
I LOVE IT!!! This will replace my 2007 MCS. It will kick a## in the cold Cleveland winters.
yes – thanks Frank – the FJ cruiser.
I LIKE IT I LIKE IT! ITS FUNKY!
that profile is yecchy

try again
Nissan-Infiniti called. They want their FX back.
There are things I like about it, but from the side it looks like an Infinity FX. they should have kept the roof flat to stay on brand. but as it’s been said already, this is just a concept. the final car won’t look even half this wacky. Remember the Frankfurt concept for what became the Clubman?
Ugly, but not any uglier than R56. Actually, the front kind of look like a suprised infinity fx.
Ugliness is good in a 4 wheel drive, it gives it a distinct look that may grow on people, like the the jeep or Hummer(H1). Ugly cars has also been succeful before when they come with virtues, like the citreon 2cv and dbs,volvo or Saab.
The left rare side door looks like it would be handy if you need to get your kids out in a crowded parking lot.
Give me ugly anyday instead of a “beautiful” amorphous blob like x3 or murano or rav4 or whatever – they all lok the same.
I kind of like it… just remove the downward kink at the rear, make that awesome second door on the driver’s side for both sides (the benefits of a sliding door without a slider!), and do give me a conventional rear hatch.
Funky- yes. Super mini- no. But still not really that large. Based on how well the Clubman turned out from the concepts, I’m retaining some faith. The true questions are the center of gravity and weight though… please keep both of those low.
If this keeps MINI building kick-ass small, fast hatches, then I say bring it. Lots of 911 owners wanted a practical Porsche, so they bought Cayennes and now the brand is buying out VW Group. Future success takes some branching out…
SAD … with all of the refinement that MINI / BMW has at it’s disposal .. all wasted on this hiddeous creature. This sis as far removed from a MINI as a Lambretta is from being a Superbike.
here is my take.
(more photots at <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.worldcarfans.com</a>)
1. it is a concept. so for all of the more conservative MINI owners out there, i feel that alot of the items we see featured on here will not make it to production.
A. Globe/ interesting take on a Nav system = gone.
B. i like the ragtop sunroof. very retro in a way. i am also pretty sure that that is an option on the the jeep liberty.
C. check out the extra photos at worldcarfans.com. do not fear- the seats will all be one color!
D. i am willing to bet anything that the reason you do not see the same type of tailgate as on the Clubman, is due to that, dare i say, “MINIvan” type of sliding door on the drivers side.
E. with that said, i would expect to see double barn-type door tailgate go into production.
F. exhaust looks awesome.
is this un-MINI like? absolutly.
will it sell? absolutly.
how well? as well as the cayenne does.
why? because porsche made the cayenne the way they do as the 911- like a porsche. if MINI makes this the way they do the Cooper and clubamn, there’s no doubt that they have a winner.
i think that it is unfair to compare this to other MINIs because we all know that it will never be like other MINIs. we need to think of this the same way MINI did, and that is as an SUV with a MINI soul.
Personally, im wondering what JCW has in store?
>(more photots at <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.worldcarfans.com</a>)
All press photos should be above (including many not on other sites). You’ll just have to go to pages 3 and 4 to see the new ones we just put up this morning.
See the divide beginning, simple fact this is a bomb in the middle of the Mini community.
The press is going to have a field day with this, can’t wait for other oxymoron’s to start hitting the stories, jumbo shrimp, military intelligence etc.
A tad a of research:
Length is shorter than most small SUVs by 15-24″
Wider than: Mitsubishi Outlander,Honda CRV,Subaru Forester, Honda Element.
Height is 3-7″ shorter than the rest
Wheelbase is longer than: Honda Element and is only shorter than the rest by 2-3″
I compared to Land Rover LR2,Mitsubishi Outlander,Toyota Rav4,Honda CRV,Subaru Forester,Honda Element, and a Saturn Vue. All of these were in the 3,000lbs area, I am expecting the Mini to hit the high 2000-very low 3000 area.
I’m having soo much Traveller concept deja vu that I remain stuck in wait-and-see mode. The way the roof opens is cool.
Divide the community? More like this: 48% that don’t think it has divided the community, 48% that don’t care if it has or not, and 2% that will think it has divided the community. Frankly I’m ready for that 2% to shut up or get lost already…
So, I am pushing 100k on my 04 R53 JCW+ (previously owned an 02 MC) and am now looking for an AWD <b><i>performance car </i></b> with 4 real seats. I had hopes for this, but they are fading very fast. Currently I am really liking initial reports on the reworked 09 WRX.
While I know the production version won’t look exactly like the concept, I really hope it doesn’t even resemble it either. It’s hideous!
Poor lavardera, the best you can do it to spam hate for anybody that opinions differ from yours. As an example of what I am talking about go talk to the Porsche community about what a SUV did to their community. It was never as cohesive as the Mini community .
Guess the logic of building a Mini SUV equals Rolls Royce building a truck to gain more market share.
The only charm I have for this development is the asymmetric door solution, that will never make it to production.
Is it me or is there a touch of FJ Cruiser to that roofline??
Whoops, I guess it’s me… and lavardera lol. I still kind of like it though.
So AWD does an SUV make? I think we are too liberal with the SUV tag – it looks like a small estate/station wagon with the advantage of all wheel drive.
Divisive? Most people I have met like the Clubman, some are indifferent and a few absolutely loath it. Still the sky hasn’t fallen and the majority of the first years production has sold.
Actually Tobias I think it can be called a SUV because it matches proportions and design principles with other small SUVs. Including the Rav4 and the CRV. A crossover is classically a car under body with a sport utility body, which I think this is exactly what this is.
Think most of the issues stated about the Clubman was about its design. Barn doors, suicide door seemed to be the heart of the issue. Think the issue here is many people are having a hard time with a SUV wearing the Mini badge.
JonPD, I’m fine with your rational discussion of why you don’t like the model, even though you do it to much – there is no need to be so on-message with it everytime the subject comes up on MF. You are not a one man campaign. Stripped of the sarcasm all I am saying is you make my MF experience tiresome because of the receptiveness. Most of the time I don’t even bother reading your comments because if it. There’s no hate in that. Just tired of it.
So far the Mini Community is batting 1000 at predicting good product moves for Mini. Lots of hate for the R56, breaks sales records, lots of hate for the Clubman, pushes sales even further. Why would you expect them to listen to “the community” now when they’ve been so wrong?
I kind of like it … it does remind me more of the Infiniti FX more than the FJ though … maybe its the large chrome wheel/small body look.
I laughed when I saw the sliding door on the drivers side … is this still to circumvent repositioning the fuel filler/tank?
Don’t like the large single rear gate … those are always a bitch in tight street parking situations. Even Honda abandoned them in the CRV.
I’m guessing that pivot hinge will alleviate that problem Aurel.
I hear were you are coming from lavardera.
Still think the major difference is that while the r56 and r55 didn’t do anything for some people they have been very welcomed into the community. The base fact a SUV is the most divisive thing you could unleash into the community. Mini’s have based themselves on making fun efficient cars, which I will assume the r60 will be also. However for a company that based its first 5 years on SUV backlash to suddenly wave the white flag and build exactly what they have campaigned against for years.
I have no doubt about the success of the r60, though I think it sends a laughable message to the general public about what Mini stands for.
I think this is a pretty solid concept vehicle. It will be good to see MINI distinguish the vehicle visually from the Coupe, Clubman, and Convertible.
With regards to the collapse of the MINI community – the same was said when the R56 neared production. MINI sparked a passion in many who were looking for a foil to the SUV takeover of America. Yes, there are people who adore their R53s/R50s/R52s, but there are also people who adore their R56s/R55s. Hopefully, there will be people who love their R60s and are accepted into the MINI community.
Who represents the MINI enthusiast more: someone who bought an R50 4 years ago as purely a commuter car or the future R60 buyer who actually gets involved in MINI the community?
The nav is funny… “Turn left at Kenya.”
Let me be brutally honest here…… I think all this “MINI Community” talk is nothing but a bunch of bunk. Some people take the MINI ownership experience in the same fashion of a religious cult. Let’s get over that shall we? MINI is not in the business of fueling passion or recalcitrant cult movements…. They are in this game for the sole reason of making money and lots of it.
Don’t think that the community should be written off so quick C4. The feeling behind the car ownership is driven by its current owners. I am betting that owners have out sold every MA worldwide, and I feel the press Mini gets from their owners is more valuable than the cumulative of all of their advertising.
I do have to say that I think your wrong about them not fueling passion, heck if so people would not be waiting months for their car, they would expect to buy a car just like they would at a GM dealership. Isn’t their marketing about “iffication” all about passion with these cars.
Funny how the FJ Cruiser comes up. I bought one (and love it) as a practical/second/winter car to compliment my JCW convertible. I got it because it looks like a big Mini (black/white)!
I have mixed feelings about Mini expanding their models to fit every car buyer vs. keeping it a car just for enthusiasts (coupe/convertible). Personally I don’t like the Clubman even though I know alot of people do and it is “historically” acurate.
This actually looks better to me than the Clubman and it’s only a “concept”. The real thing will be far less radical, especially the interior.
A two seater does intrigue me though.
I like it. Surprised that I do. It’s rugged looking, which can’t hurt the MINI brand, IMO.
Lotus is in the same boat. They make kick-ass cars (or car) and even they say they need a ‘lifestyle’ car to broaden the appeal.
This looks a million times better than Porsche’s 4WD cash cow. It’s not a rebadged VW. It’s still a MINI.
Well said faster, Tobias!
As a Clubman-owner, I concur…
JonPD, granted, the MINI community is a very tangible part of the MINI ownership experience, but it simply isn’t the engine that drives MINI’s business and manufacturing decisions. MINI, like any other car manufacturer is in this cut throat business to make money. The best way to do that, is to make “Inroads” with the vast majority of car consumers in the mainstream by offering models that are appealing to this demographic. The R53 was not a mainstream car, yet it was very successful because the product captured the spirit of the original while delivering exquisite design details and a visceral driving experience. However, the R53, as successful as it was, is not the ticket to long term survival of the marque. MINI understands that in order to ensure long term success and business survival they need to make the product more palatable to the other 99.9% of customers who viewed the original car as too small, too compromised and too harsh for their everyday needs.
The R56 and onwards represents the shift of mentallity at MINI. The current cars are more refined, softer, more civilized and this, like it or not, is what the vast majority of people like their cars to be. They like to have a MINI but not a visceral and raw one.
In my 6+ years of MINI ownership, I have had a fair amount of contact with the MINI community and quite frankly I have come away with mixed feelings about it.
To put it more clearly, I love the cars, the brand but I no longer drink from the Koolaid and make my best effort in calling things by their rightful names.
I think MINI is a huge success story, like no other in automotive history, but parent company BMW must avoid falling into the temptation of arrogance and condescency and the “We know whats best for our customers” mentallity.
The “MINI community” has been divided for years… First in 2001 with the arrival of the R50 MINI and then again in 2007 with the R56.
For those of you that were hanging around the 2002 time period, do you remember the attacks and hate comments coming out of the Classic Mini community about the new car?
let me chime in here for a bit … the MINI Community is about the PEOPLE … it just happens we bought the same car brand 🙂
To me the MINI community is divided in 2 distinctive camps:
1) The ones that are passionate about the brand/cars and are rabid followers/promoters. They follow this and other MINI sites in the blogosphere and memorize every little trivia fact about the cars. They enjoy talking about MINIs with others, enjoy the company of like minded individuals and feel compelled to opine on anything and everything that pertains MINI world.
2) The other half of the camp is made up of MINI owners that like the car for different reasons (Looks, fuel economy, uniqueness, etc) but they could care less about the latest and greatest coming out of Oxford, they rarely, if ever, participate or rear MINI blogs and have no interest in partaking in the “Community/cult” aspect of the car. These people think that group drives and MINI meets are for weirdos that have nothing else better to do with their spare time. Believe it or not, I have met one such individual like that that lives a block away from my house (He has owned 2 MINIs). A few years ago I remember running into him at the corner gas station and when I handed over our local club car he gave it right back to me. He said he liked the car but was not interested in being part of a MINI club at all.
Jump the shark.
I appreciate the “concept” protection in this presentation, but the MINI branding is not appropriate in my opinon. I’m not saying MINI is the only and best brand, but this is not a MINI. Sorry, hate it. Whatever, I’m clearly not the customer of interest here.
Then again, I said the same thing about Land Rover LR3 and look … they were a success, but now … not so much.
Vehicles are of the moment, I will not choose this moment and I feel saddened to see it labeled as a Mini. I wish Mini the best in their future.
Lable me a hater, it’s of no issue with me.
C4: You hit the nail on the head. In my neighborhood in San Francisco, there are about 40+ Mini owners. I’ve talked to about 1/2 of them over the last couple of years and none are into the “motoring” life. They brought the car because it was: cute, small, fit the city life style, good gas millage & a few other reasons. They also didn’t know about Motoring file, or other Mini blogs/internet sites. The car is their daily driver and they feel they own something different but are not into the “Mini community” thing.
I’ve found that many car enthusiasts (regardless of brand) closely scrutinize the brand and cars (BMW, Porsche, and the American muscle cars). I would say that 50%+ people buy a certain car based on cost, looks, gas mileage (especially now), practicality, and needs (family, hauling{Pickups}).
I wonder how many (percentage) of the recent new Mini owners (never owned a Mini before) are into the Mini community thing and enthusiasts? If one goes by what’s written in the media, I would guess only a small percent.
<strong>Divide the community? More like this: 48% that don’t think it has divided the community, 48% that don’t care if it has or not, and 2% that will think it has divided the community. Frankly I’m ready for that 2% to shut up or get lost already…</strong>
This attitude is the reason I quit posting here. I just started to post again, but thanks for the reminder, I think I’ll “get lost” and stay lost this time…
As a Mini owner, is not that ugly but its too big to be considered a Mini concept.
It may seem ugly to some at this stage but to say an R56 is just as ugly is kinda ridiculous.
I own an ’04 Cooper and love it big time!
However, I do want to upgrade and am very pissed that BMW/MINI has changed direction with their designs.
I guess I’m angry at the fact that I cannot get another MINI that is newer and more reliable and at the same time retains the R50 look. Had they still offered R50-style MINI’s then I would not have cared if BWM released a MINI-branded 18-wheeler since I can still get the car that I love.
I feel like I’m being forced to move on somewhere else because I just cannot make myself like a MINI that is higher and has ugly frog-like headlights (R56 and on).
Here are my opinions on the Crossover concept:
I like the exterior with a few exceptions. The things I don’t like: the vents on the left and right side in front of the doors, the rag sunroof, (hoping MINI provides the option of no sun roof) {I’m not a fan of sun roofs}, the large bass mouth grill, the tail lights.
I also noticed that the rear cargo door has two handles on it. Is that so the door can be fitted to swing out right or left?
The interior things I don’t care for: The vents (don’t like them on the R56 or clubman either), the pass through (front to rear) center console, bucket seats (only a two seater in the back), the center globe speedo. I know this will not be in the production model, but I hope Mini/BMW doesn’t put that ugly overbearing large dinner plate current (R56) center speedo with radio in the Crossover.
Things I like: exterior: Headlights, hood shape and front (except the grill), roof shape (minus the rails) and body/door styling, rear wrap around window glass, tail gate (and that they’re not barn doors).
Interior: No cheap looking CD slot, no “Play school” temp control, toggle switches more like the R50. Of course this is all based on pictures. I also noticed that strange looking interior door handle. I hope that doesn’t make it into the production model.
Well those are my likes and dislikes. Again, this is all based on the concept model and pictures. Since we are all different, we all see things differently.
Glad to see the 3-bar grille. Does anyone miss this on the 2nd gen Cooper S? The aero grille is mandatory, but shouldn’t be.
cct, wouldn’t that be <b>4%</b> that think it has divided the Mini community?
Well it is definitely a concept. I hope that it does not end up being more than an inch longer or wider that the clubman. I like the roof color idea. Hate the ragtop, but I doubt that would make production. I hope the production model has a hatch rather than the barn doors or this silly concept door. The globe dash is dumb, but I hope they do a major refresh of the center stack. I love my ’05 MC, but could use a bit more back seat and boot, however I hate the center stack in the R55/R56 and don’t care for the clubman barn doors. I also wish they’d put true rear doors on the clubman. If they put full rear doors on the crossover, I may consider it though I have no use for the AWD and the increased ride height and hope these don’t hurt feul economy too much. We’ll have to see what the production model looks like. I thought I’d hate the crossover, but there are some things to appreciate there.
disregard the size, the way the front end of the hood curves down with the verticle grill under it reminds me of the classic minicooper.
Thats something I can’t see neuron, to me the overall design feels rather Japanese with a touch of Detroit.
cctl I was happy to see a post from you again, we don’t always agree but you bring good points to the debate. Funny anybody that doesn’t love this concept is instantly labeled a hater, interesting that most of the hate flying around tends to be directed anyone that doesn’t toe the line. Don’t know about the rest of you but for me personally I enjoy the debate and don’t look down on anyone for their opionon (as mis-guided as it may be) ;).
Below the beltline, it looks like a MINI.
Too bad they did not use rear hinged doors on both sides.
Above the beltline, the worst in styling from Toyota.
The rear swinging door is another stupid Toyota idea.
Great plan, take design ideas from the only Japanese car company that has sales dropping in the USA.
bring back the old headlights
<a href="http://www.motormobilia.co.uk/images/product/classic%20mini%20cooper%20retroart.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.motormobilia.co.uk/images/product/classic%20mini%20cooper%20retroart.jpg</a>
take a deep breathe in, hold it for about 30 seconds, squint your eyes, and try to ignore the lights
The grill is a similar shape however the front curve of the bonnet is a very different creature to my eye.
<blockquote>Funny anybody that doesn’t love this concept is instantly labeled a hater, interesting that most of the hate flying around tends to be directed anyone that doesn’t toe the line.</blockquote>
That’s not quite how I see it. Almost all of the MotoringFile posters are tolerant of pro or con comments about this or any other MINI concept. Some are not so tolerant of folks who hated this concept (or earlier ones) before they ever saw it. I think this forum’s comments would be more interesting to everyone if they focused on the car, not on the brand or the community.
In that vein, I am a bit disappointed that the press release seems focused on style over substance. I bought my 2005 MCS because there was no other vehicle with its combination of comfort (for a 6-footer), performance, efficiency, customizing capabilities, and affordability — not because of its brand name or styling quirks. One drawback is that I would rip the bottom out if I tried to drive it on some of the unpaved roads I need to travel on. I was hoping that MINI could apply their magic to the SUV segment, which desperately needs some fresh thinking. But this concept seems aimed at the on-road SUV market, which I never understood (hatchbacks and minivans are so much more practical …)
That is one ugly mess. I will NEVER call that a Mini — I will call it a mistake.
What the heck are they doing to their brand?
I would buy this right now if it was in production. I think it looks awesome and the only thing I would want fixed or touched a little more is the interior.
I think JasonR raised an interesting point when he said “How do 911 owners view Cayenne owners? I doubt they think of them as “real†Porsches.” Also, doesn’t BMW advertise their SUV’s as SAV’s, claiming they are “sports activity vehicles”? So what is that supposed to mean?
I think the main thing we’re all worried about is that our beloved “small” Mini is gradually going to morph into a much larger car just like most other small compact cars have. The original Honda Civic was a great small car and now it’s as large as the original Accord. Same with the Corolla. They both had to introduce the Fit and Yaris to fill their small car gap.
I just hope Mini will NOT continue to increase the size of the basic R56 which I think is now “perfectly” proportioned, even though I bought a Clubman for the extra room. Actually they both already look “big” when you place them next to other cars; they’re just usually shorter than most.
I like it. I’d strongly considering ordering one, especially if it’s available as diesel. I also like my 2007 MINI btw, and prefer it to the 1st gen MINI’s I’ve tried. I will eventually be seeking a replacement for my Land Rover (which I’ve never off-roaded, ulp!) and this crossover might be an option.
Sorry, purists, but I guess I’m like those other MINI drivers C4 talked about. I like the car and and keep abreast of coming products, but I don’t devote my life to it like the cultists do.
I also think the original MINI purists are clinging to some notion that the company ought to serve their interests, i.e., continue to make 1st generation MINI’s only, rather than I dunno, try to make greater profits with an expanded lineup, y’know – something companies like to do. They feel betrayed and that sucks, but In the end, they’re still just cars, and if they don’t like MINI’s offerings, then they’ll just have to accept it and move on.
(Though it does make me wonder if these folks actually try the cars they’re always slagging.)
Somehow I just can’t see the current MINI design team having the mindset to even think of using a beer can as a last-minute effort for an exhaust tip. Suggested name for the concept: the MINI Camel.
And while we’re on the subject of oxymorons (MINI SUV), has any coachbuilder attempted to build a Smart Car stretch limo?
Mini is deluting itself. It’s too bad and for what more money? Don’t they sell plenty? Don’t we have to wait months and months for them? I think they will loose loyalty from early buyers because personally buying my R53 CS was an amazing experience since there was only one body type to choose from (yet 100’s of possibiles to customize it).
Mini, what happened?
Well, maybe Chrysler will be “then” be interested to buy Mini and its Crossfire, i mean, Crossover.
A bad idea is a bad idea.
I would love to see both the lhs and the rhs doors on the Clubman instead of what it has now. The right side doors on this mean better access to the rear seat and a shorter front door. The l-o-ng front doors on the Mini are a nuisance in a parking lot or in the garage. The left side sliding door can perhaps be a good workaround for the fuel-filler-tube problem that prevents a conventional door there.
The more that I look at the pictures, the more that it grows on me. I’m still not happy with the roofline drop at the back section, those headlights and the flat vertical bonnet nose. The adjustable rear seats are a great idea for extra legroom. The centre console rail is a good concept, however would prefer to have an optional third centre seat in the rear.
Still prefer hardtop with optional sunroof and roof rack fittings. This vehicle could sell well if given the right final touches and affordable price.
Someone posted this over at Jalopnik.com and got a chuckle out of it:
“The ghost of Alec Issigonis (designer of original Mini) should haunt the BMW design offices forever. Or maybe if Sir Alec was alive, he could take a cue from Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead and do what architect Howard Roark did when his original concept was altered and bastardized by uncaring committees – blow the thing up.
Checker Marathon grille, Toyota FJ Cruiser roof, Veg-O-Matic wheels, Rubbermaid gray plastic cladding, c. 1986 Oldsmobile 98 taillights, at least a foot too big in every dimension, soccer-mom sliding doors…oh hell, I won’t wait for Sir Alec, I’ll go get the dynamite.”
How about this?:
<a href="http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2730/minicrossoverpickupelcafj9.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2730/minicrossoverpickupelcafj9.jpg</a>
Actually C4 have no issues with a Mini sized truck, once again like the Clubman is holds some historical precedence unlike the R60.
Still have to say another AWD that 90% of the production will never see offroad or heavy weather. 90% of the time they will tote their single occupant down the road taking up the most space possible in a Mini. Seriously I think bigger is better is ingrained in the social DNA of the US. Part of what makes me so nervous about this would be the proven track record by BMW with making their cars ever larger and heavier.
The design of the asymmetric layout of the doors really works for me though I doubt we will see anything close to this in the production model.
To start off with I have to admit that there are some solid thoughtful comments above. However why is it that every time there is a huge debut of a new concept from MINI that 75% of the comments are of the negative knee-jerk variety. I mean most comments on MF are thought-out and avoid anything close to personal attacks. But this thread and a few others are exposing some unfortunate personality traits from some of those who comment. The problem is that less than 1% of readers actually comment. So anybody reading this thread that isn’t a part of the community might actually think that most MINI owners are negative and completely uninteresting in change or progress.
Granted I’m not saying a like the idea of a MINI cross-over. I just don’t think it warrants some of the comments above.
What’s really sad is when <a href="http://www.nathanielsalzman.com/2008/09/mini-reveals-crossover-concept/" rel="nofollow">someone</a> who has intelligent opinions and a real stance to communicate doesn’t feel comfortable posting on MotoringFile due to the assumed knee-jerk (and hostile) reactions from commenters.
Gabe, I am all for change (Not change for the sake of change) and progress. However, it is still a healthy thing to do to inject constructive critique on what MINI does and the direction of the brand. After all, it is us, the customer base, that pays the bills and salaries of all the fine folks at MINI.
Like I said way up in this thread, I generally like the car (From a purely practical point of view) but from the philosophical perspective, there is no doubt the R60 runs counter against everything the brand has stand for until this very day. And then again, you’ll have the business side of the debate as to why MINI has to engage in “controversial” product decisions to ensure their long term survival.
I agree with you on that there are some posters taking it a little far, but overall, I think the conversation has been civil and upbeat without bordering into the realm of personal attacks.
CC1 and Nathaniel, you are missed here at MF! Please comeback.
I think there are some great comments here… just sad to see some go personal to quickly. I would call one of your comments above the best on the thread so far.
I believe that I am part of the issue Gabe, just have never been able to accept the concept of a crossover as being good for the brand image.
Hope you guys realize that my issue isn’t with the design, its with this direction at Mini that worries me. Honestly the brand image is largely responsible for the value of a car. Modifying the hard earned and successful image is dangerous (though equally potentially not dangerous) to the public perception of what the Mini brand stands for.
I will shut up now guys.
I can see room for all 4 variants in the Mini Brand (R50/R53/R56, R52/R57, R55, and the new R60 Crossover). Each has it’s place for someone. I’m not really a SUV/SAV/Crossover or a convertible person, but there are people that desire them and they should be available for those folks. Mini (like any business) needs to expand the brand to remain a viable business and expand their customer base. (Just like having an Automatic) As I posted earlier, there are things I like and don’t care for on the Crossover concept. It is a concept and I’m sure there will be changes in the final production model. Will I buy one? Probably not, but that’s because I’m not really into Crossovers/SAV’s.
What I would like to see MINI do, is as they expand the brand, to keep the Coupe and Cooper S close to the R50/R53 styling (keep it classic). MINI made changes to them for the R56 that I’m not a fan of. Why not make a Cooper & Cooper S that remains very close to it’s roots. Some changes had to occur (pedestrian safety requirements {hood}), better fuel efficiency, etc, but other changes IMO didn’t. Such as the size increase in the speedo and incorporating the radio in it, the interior vents size and shape, and some other things. If Mini did that, I believe it could please and satisfy the majority of people interested in MINIS (the enthusiasts and the non-enthusiast).
Have a “classic” model (R50/R53), a more “non-enthusiasts” model (R56)(smoother ride, etc), the Clubman, the Convertible, a Crossover and how about a 2-seater roadster.
I think that would cover all bases. The only thing I would add is that the decision makers at MINI/BMW (Management) like at any company needs to be held accountable for poor decision. Don’t punish the worker building the car on the assembly line or the customer for bad decisions that could hurt the viability of the company (see US Automakers).
What happened to the MINI rendered here?
<b><a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071218.008/minis-crossover-gets-a-name" rel="nofollow">MINI Crossover</a></b>
I’ll take that one!!!
hmmm. that just looks like a doctored R56 or clubman photo. Get yourself a clubman and jack it up!
I can’t see how this cross over would reflect poorly on BMW. If they brought it to market with half the trumped up design features we see here it would no doubt gather tons of publicity and sell many cars. I’d agree the big SUV is dead for the time being, but the small SUV is bound to be hot. Like it or not it won’t do harm to the brand.
The R50/53 broke with Mini tradition. I don’t understand why the owners of those cars would object to this move. You don’t have to buy one.
No details on engines, etc.
I’m not a fan of the funky doors, but those won’t make it into production. If it is going to be that wide, make sure it seats 5. That is critical.
Otherwise, if it could be made with some sort of cool diesel hybrid or something, and get about 45 mpg, and not cost $35k, I’d be interested in it.
On another note, I’m about as much of an ‘enthusiast’ as you can find. I’ve been autocrossing forever, done track days, attend LOTS of events, etc. I’ve had my R56 for a little over a month now, and it beats the three R50/R53s I’ve owned in every way, shape and form. I still don’t get why people think it isn’t an ‘enthusiasts’ car.
Thanks for the post Gabe. I was wondering where Nathaniel was all this time. I REALLY enjoyed reading his posts here at MF. Needless to say, I found another blog to follow now 🙂
I’ve been reading MF regularly since the day it surfaced -with a different name back then- and probably posted 5-7 times total (that’s almost 1/3 of some people’s daily post count here at MF). You can always identify yourself with few of the regular posters here, which eliminates the need for repetitive posting 🙂
Deja Wu: When Porsche introduced Cayenne to the line up, it had ZERO appeal to Porsche fans. But business wise this proved to be a great move for Porsche — Cayenne is currently its best seller in the entire line up.
Like it or not, this might be the future Best Seller.
6 seats PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can make The third row fold down flat.
Let me have a 6 seater PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to agree that this is taking things a bit too far. I was open to the crossover concept but it seems to me that someone at MINI design is trying too hard to make a statement with this car. The result is a caricature of the rest of the MINI line, as if someone sent it in as a joke only to have it be realized by the design team.
Wow, this thing is super ugly, I would be embarassed to ride in it, let alone own one, also would probably make me want to sell my current Mini, guilt by association you know. 🙂 What happen to the older crossover concept pics I saw a few months back, it was basically a clubman with 4 doors, now that didn’t look too bad. Also, there was another red and white crossover pic, sort of FJ Toyota looking, that was way better looking then this thing. Mini, please fire your designers and start over, thanks!!
Looks like one of those Infinity beetle-like SUVs. Ugly ugly ugly.
One thing I like in the concept is it has No Carpet. I wish I could get a Mini with a rubber floor like this. I still don’t get why cars have carpet.
I think everyone has forgotten what the Mini name stands for! I have this:
<a href="http://eu.art.com/asp/sp-asp/_/PD--10136627/SP--A/IGID--1059824/Evolution_Mini_Cooper.htm?sOrig=CAT&sOrigID=12869&ui=B84F1B3AD12848E7BE7681E586B039BB" rel="nofollow ugc">http://eu.art.com/asp/sp-asp/_/PD–10136627/SP–A/IGID–1059824/Evolution_Mini_Cooper.htm?sOrig=CAT&sOrigID=12869&ui=B84F1B3AD12848E7BE7681E586B039BB</a>
hanging in my living room. What in God’s name is that zebra golf cart thing!?!?! I live in Italy. We see ALL kinds of Mini’s on the road. The Mini Crossover is just evolution of the brand.
My husband and I LOVE it! We own 2 Mini’s. A classic and an R56. We are young, we simply have dogs. They travel nicely in their seat belts curled up in the backseat of Big Red (our R56). The Crossover is going to allow us to stay loyal to our Mini brand (which we adore and support fully) and allow us to have kids, travel, buy groceries, bring the dogs and just have more family room overall. I’m so happy I’ll be able to stay brand loyal and have a car that functions for me at this stage in my life!
Just please consider what Mini was in the past, all of it’s diversified cars and options for all walks of life!
Yep – when a car has carpets owners go and buy a rubber mat to go over them – and when cars have rubber floors people go buy a piece of carpet.
A lot of old English cars only had rubber flooring – carpet was a “luxury”.
I read all the comments and despite the negatives and positives this post has nearly a record number of comments. Which goes to show the passion for MINI by owners and fans.
Keep it up folks because we all obviously keep coming back and making comments because we’re hooked.
If it maintains the wheelbase at least close to that of the Clubman… and has a decent 4×4 tranny… I think it’ll be a hit.
It looks a bit odd, and the interior screams “Concept version ONLY”… but the overall package is very unique and kind of funky-cool. Again, I just hope it doesn’t grow too big.
The people hating it are the same people who hate it when a band/singer they like gets popular.
Who cares if the brand you know and love gets widescale recognition? Appreciate, don’t hate!
Brian, you lost me with that post…
I own a 2007 Mini S Convertible and I think this concept is awesome and I would probably buy it as well.
Think the root of what Brian is saying is that the same people that are hating the R60 are the same that are unhappy about the brands awesome success making the car less unique. Like the fan of a good band that prefers the small club to the arena.
I admit I am one of those. I honestly enjoyed the Mini brand while it was still a truly minority brand. Think those R50 driver out there remember those days when a Mini in a parking lot would create crowds of people. The near constant smiles from people and questions,and were pretty much every Mini owner would wave at each other. This has been widely lost because of the success of the brand. Most of the true Mini enthusiast came out of this time, however with the increase in popularity there are more and more Mini owners out there each day that seem to be oblivious.
We seem to be just stirring things up, like with the R56 and the Clubman.
Will this be the final design? No.
Will it sell? In this day and age the better question is “What will the mpg be?” Thought the crowd for the SUV market tend to not worry too much about that.
Is it ugly? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Owning a classic Mini, a new classic MINI (R53)- not my words- Ralph called the R50/R53 “classics” and an R56 I just see MINI expanding (pardon the pun) and while bigger cars are vanishing (OK they don’t vanish, they just stay on the lot until the price drops so much and they give away “free gas”) trying to fill what they perceive as an up and coming void. I’m holding judgment until I can see it up close, I’m sure there will be things I love, and things I hate, not all cars are built just for my tastes.
Name wise- I think it is “different” enough to handle the name “Moke” – that zebra striped thingie of the past.
Frankly, I too would love to see a two seat convertible in the future.
I think I could be in love!
Too many very cool ideas here to note.
Would love to see this in person.
Only negatives – it appears from the photos and sketches that the doors to not open far enough…
The slider, the rear passenger, and the tailgate – all appear to stop short of getting completely out of the way to ease loading.
The 2 main reasons for me to buy this: 4WD, and cargo capacity. So please – make the cargo as easy to load as possible!
I think Mini should work to make the cars less expensive, and retain profitability. Something like how the classic was, or a model T, or an aircooled beetle.
Im now ashamed to own a mini.
Love it!! I’m tired of looking at cars ‘of the future’ that look exactly like every other 4 door SUV. Finally, a daddy for my mini coop!
I REALLY like the idea of a true 4-dr MINI. PLEASE build one now! I love my MINI, but wil trade for the 4-dr if/when you build it! PLEASE!