NextAutos has some of the best spy photos yet of the MINI Crossover. Due in late 2010, this prototype is the first to appear in what will be its final shape and size. As we’ve reported, expect the final R60 to take on much of the overall design seen in the recent MINI Crossover Concept that debuted in Paris a few weeks ago. Previous prototypes have used Clubman derived bodies and (who can forget) an early tank-like structure to hide the overall shape and size. With the concept giving most of that information away, MINI is has now moved onto the production based prototype phase than many of us are used to seeing with previous MINI models.
A couple notes seen on this prototype. As we’ve been reporting, the Crossover will not have Clubman style barn-doors but will instead have a normal hatchback similar to the standard MINI coupe/ If you look closely you can see that this prototype tries but ultimately fails to fake the barn-door look and hide it’s standard hatch. Also seen clearly are four standard doors and not the suicide rear or sliding rear doors seen on the concept.
Ok, is it just me or does it look the driver flipping off the photographer with both hands?! I think it looks good, I’m looking forward to this. It’s a great way for people who have outgrown the original MINI to stay with the brand…
I don’t have the energy to be sarcastic about the ugly or the brand killing. I’ll just say that the paint job is at least a very clever way to hide the car’s looks. Seems like a nice size and proportion though. I’d be very interested to see how those rear doors work — looks like one piece of rear glass but two rear doors. Pretty interesting…
Sure looks like Mini is using 5 bolt wheels on the mule. That’s either a great head fake or most likely they’re from the BMW 1 series which seems to be in keeping with the “shared platform” talk of late.
I have to agree with the comment in the article that the MINI looks bigger than the BMW 1 series in the front of the shot. You don’t have to be a NASA scientist to figure out the MINI and the 1 series will probably share the platform.
So will the brand change name to MAXI?
It does look smaller than the Paris concept (which is good), but it still seems to have that ugly “helmet” roofline. One of the best design features of the new MINI’s was the “straight” roofline and the continuous wrap around glass including at the rear. That’s why I got the black trim on my MCc. The silver trim just messes up the lines of the car. And that clunky rear “turndown” of the roof messes up the design even more.
All the MINI’s also look better with bigger wheels especially with the now “oversized” black trim at the wheel openings. Those “too-small” black wheels and tires make this prototype look like a “helmet on a roller skate”. This design would definitely look better with large SUV-type wheels.
Maybe spinners SFRedMCc ;), those are just mule wheels wouldn’t give them another look.
The rear door camo is effective, think the lines showing this as dual doors are nothing short of camo, with the non-split window think its still the single door. Looks like the rear doors are both just standard doors, same body flow on both sides.
Guess visually speaking the flat front is one design component that I could live without. Looks as aerodynamic as a brick, not that they have a lot of options though on a vehicle of this height. Not all that Mini of a car, compare with the Mercedes truck and looks to come up the windshield. Guess all in all just hits me up with being boxy looking.
Wow, I was looking forward to this, but where did the MINI go? I am not talking size, but the C pilar is HUGE, and the wheels aren’t even in the corners. WT#!
The Grill looks really cool, but it looks like the bonnet is going to not open with the lights or even the light holes. If you look at the camo, the ones around the lights are a different shade of yellow than the ones on the bonnet. a line is clearly visible.
And those headlights, tell me they are camo, please!
How can you guys tell about the rear hatch/doors, you can’t even see them.
If I were to ever look for a four door car think I just ran across the car I would choose hands down. Granted it doesn’t have four wheel drive (not that thats needed in most area’s of the country even with decent winters). But has something missing from the R60 design so far for me, charm.
Agree that the front-end is looking better than the concept car. Hoping that it can have the option of three seats in the rear. I still prefer the sliding and tight-swinging doors of the concept vehicle – really good for those tight parking spaces and minimising risk of accidents / damage. Prefer the rear tailgate to have electrically raised / lowered glass similar to the older station wagons. Is it just me or is there less boot space in this mule vehicle than the concept vehicle? This test vehicle looks too short and will prefer bigger / longer boot area in the final version.
There are aftermarket conversions available to change the front doors from swing to scissor motion. Could this be available for the Crossover directly from MINI?
Any word on that paint scheme hitting production?
I like what I see. It looks …a little bit, little bit bigger and little bit more practical.
I like that this prototype has the split door hatch from the clubman and this grill looks much better than the concept
How the headlights and tailights are excecuted will be the key to this being a styling hit or miss
It blends.
Ok, is it just me or does it look the driver flipping off the photographer with both hands?! I think it looks good, I’m looking forward to this. It’s a great way for people who have outgrown the original MINI to stay with the brand…
I don’t have the energy to be sarcastic about the ugly or the brand killing. I’ll just say that the paint job is at least a very clever way to hide the car’s looks. Seems like a nice size and proportion though. I’d be very interested to see how those rear doors work — looks like one piece of rear glass but two rear doors. Pretty interesting…
I like it. it still MINI
The split door hatch is just disguise, it’s going to be a lift gate.
Well the paints kool! Lotta front overhang.
Sure looks like Mini is using 5 bolt wheels on the mule. That’s either a great head fake or most likely they’re from the BMW 1 series which seems to be in keeping with the “shared platform” talk of late.
Well… I didn’t think they could make this look any worse
This thing is hideous to say the least.
I am baffled.
<blockquote>Ok, is it just me or does it look the driver flipping off the photographer with both hands</blockquote>
Nice! I didn’t notice that before. I think you are correct
MINI doesn’t look so MINI any more… especially in the photo showing it next to the 1 series BMW.
I have to agree with the comment in the article that the MINI looks bigger than the BMW 1 series in the front of the shot. You don’t have to be a NASA scientist to figure out the MINI and the 1 series will probably share the platform.
So will the brand change name to MAXI?
It does look smaller than the Paris concept (which is good), but it still seems to have that ugly “helmet” roofline. One of the best design features of the new MINI’s was the “straight” roofline and the continuous wrap around glass including at the rear. That’s why I got the black trim on my MCc. The silver trim just messes up the lines of the car. And that clunky rear “turndown” of the roof messes up the design even more.
All the MINI’s also look better with bigger wheels especially with the now “oversized” black trim at the wheel openings. Those “too-small” black wheels and tires make this prototype look like a “helmet on a roller skate”. This design would definitely look better with large SUV-type wheels.
Maybe spinners SFRedMCc ;), those are just mule wheels wouldn’t give them another look.
The rear door camo is effective, think the lines showing this as dual doors are nothing short of camo, with the non-split window think its still the single door. Looks like the rear doors are both just standard doors, same body flow on both sides.
Guess visually speaking the flat front is one design component that I could live without. Looks as aerodynamic as a brick, not that they have a lot of options though on a vehicle of this height. Not all that Mini of a car, compare with the Mercedes truck and looks to come up the windshield. Guess all in all just hits me up with being boxy looking.
I like how things are shaping up.
But can it be dropped?
This is a mini for me. Bigger, four doors, four wheel drive, standard hatch back. But I have to admit that it lost some MINI characters.
It will still be a no buy if the dealer is one hour drive away. I just cannot get over that.
What gives with the headlights and turn signals… No where near what the concept lookeed like. That front end looks more and more like a Volvo…
Maybe the AntiMINI has arrived…
Wow, I was looking forward to this, but where did the MINI go? I am not talking size, but the C pilar is HUGE, and the wheels aren’t even in the corners. WT#!
The Grill looks really cool, but it looks like the bonnet is going to not open with the lights or even the light holes. If you look at the camo, the ones around the lights are a different shade of yellow than the ones on the bonnet. a line is clearly visible.
And those headlights, tell me they are camo, please!
How can you guys tell about the rear hatch/doors, you can’t even see them.
Okay, I guess I should have clicked the link before I posted, answered my own question.
If you cross your eyes, you will see a 3D picture of Alec Issigonis.
Wow Capn, though I was the only one that saw Sir Alec, though to my crossed eyes he was rolling in his grave. 😉
If I were to ever look for a four door car think I just ran across the car I would choose hands down. Granted it doesn’t have four wheel drive (not that thats needed in most area’s of the country even with decent winters). But has something missing from the R60 design so far for me, charm.
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/19/whats-italian-for-drool-alfa-149-images-hit-the-web/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/19/whats-italian-for-drool-alfa-149-images-hit-the-web/</a>
The 2010 Audi A1 will have 4-doors and looks like it’s being set up to compete with both the MINI Clubman and the BMW 1-Series. Check it out at: <a href="http://www.consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-audi-a1.htm" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-audi-a1.htm</a>
Wow! Cool! Looks like real [Skoda Fabia New](<a href="http://new.skoda-auto.com/COM/model/newfabia/look/Pages/Look.aspx" rel="nofollow ugc">http://new.skoda-auto.com/COM/model/newfabia/look/Pages/Look.aspx</a>)!
I am not sure traditional 4 doors would be what I want on any MINI. Liking the quirkiness of the show car better at this point.
Agree that the front-end is looking better than the concept car. Hoping that it can have the option of three seats in the rear. I still prefer the sliding and tight-swinging doors of the concept vehicle – really good for those tight parking spaces and minimising risk of accidents / damage. Prefer the rear tailgate to have electrically raised / lowered glass similar to the older station wagons. Is it just me or is there less boot space in this mule vehicle than the concept vehicle? This test vehicle looks too short and will prefer bigger / longer boot area in the final version.
There are aftermarket conversions available to change the front doors from swing to scissor motion. Could this be available for the Crossover directly from MINI?