Is MINI About to Shrink its Model Lineup? (Hint – Don’t Bet on it)
Since the debut of the new MINI more than ten years ago, the line-up has grown from one to seven distinct models. As we look toward the next generation MINI hatch, the F56, we can’t help but wonder about the next generation of all those other MINIs as well. What will the next Clubman be like? Will the Coupe and Roadster merge into one product? What about the next Countryman?
In a recent interview with Edmunds at the New York Auto Show, MINI USA VP Jim McDowell had this to say regarding the next generation MINI lineup:
“When we start to replace models, I think you will see that we won’t replace every model exactly. When I joined MINI, we knew that we would have two models. Ultimately, we (now) have seven. We are starting the next generation a year from now. We know that we will have a pretty broad lineup. You may actually put your chess pieces on the board differently if you know that you can have seven.””
Now before anyone has a panic attack, it should be noted that all of this conversation happened in the context of the MINI Hardtop Hatch (and increasingly the Countryman) being at the center of the brand. Those models aren’t going anywhere. There will always, always, always be a traditional MINI Cooper hardtop hatch. The topic at hand is what about all the other model variations?
The Edmonds piece goes on to speculate JM’s meaning in terms of the brand’s future model lineup, saying that some models we currently have will be cut in favor of alternatives. We think that might be a bit of a stretch. (There’s also this poorly considered Jalopnik article, based on the Edmonds piece, making some rather imaginative leaps that the MINI brand is faltering and scaling back despite continued record sales. We don’t believe that for a second. In fact, our sources have confirmed over and over again that we’re going to see more MINI models in the future, not fewer.) What we can know from these statements is that there are going to be some changes, but for regular readers of MotoringFile, this should actually be old news.
Let’s start with one MINI model we do know is changing: the Clubman. Our sources tell us that the next version of the Clubman will include a second, left-side club door and that its rear profile will be more sloped, bringing forward the classic “shooting brake” sports car silhouette. Those are significant changes over the current car.
We’ve also been told to expect a 4-door crossover/people hauler so far code-named the Spacebox and/or Traveller.
As for a little wild speculation of our own, we’re laying a side bet on a combined Roadster/Coupe model with a lightweight retractable hard top. Two separate cars that are so niche may be a tough argument to make in the coming the years. But one car that combines the best of both could be more viable.
What about you though, what would you change for the next version of your favorite MINI variant? Which cars would you cut from the lineup? (And nice try, don’t waste your time saying the Countryman. It’s selling far too well and bringing tons of people into the brand.)
<p>BMW did a similar thing with the Z4 combining the coupe and roadster into a retractable hardtop. There is a lot of room behind the cabin because of the rear seat delete.</p>
<p>“Is MINI About to Shrink its Model Lineup?”</p>
<p>My God let’s hope so.</p>
<p>In the misty days of yore there was a Cooper and there was a Cooper S. And the Cooper S was only available with a manual. And peace and happiness reigned o’er the land.</p>
<p>MINI has been publicly saying recently that there will be 10 models. JM is most likely referring to the new variations coming on the new platform, like the 5 door hardtop, when he says that things won’t be “exactly” the same.</p>
<p>These recent articles are feeding off each other, based on speculation, taking on a life of their own. I’ve seen this “news” repeated now at least four places online lately.</p>
<p>That’s one of the reasons we wanted to address it.</p>
<p>Can you guys re-address the fact that we will have an F54, F55, and F56 all living together in the showroom one day? I am tired of the Clubman faithful saying “I hope they don’t kill the Clubman” or the naysayers with “why do we need a Clubman anymore?” They can all get along and live peacefully together and they will! Maybe an article defining the product roadmap about to commence later this year to remind everyone?</p>
<p>If the “Coupster” were to have better rear visibility and give back those precious inches of headroom for us tall folk, I’d be pleased. And do we really need the Clubman at this point?</p>
<p>As it stands though my wife and I both wait for the F56. One for each. She thought about the Paceman but has decided against it. And dear me I’m thinking of going automatic in my next one. I’d go JCW if I weren’t going to be 50 when I trade in. Mid-life and all that.</p>
<p>Wayne you say that if you weren’t going to be 50 when you trade the JCW in, you’d think about that? Where does that leave me? I’ve got you by close to 20 years, just traded in my JCW for a Roadster with all the JCW stuff on it……….and even though I’ve only had the Roadster for three days, love it to death. I’ve been a car guy from hotrods, muscle cars to now Mini’s and hotrods. Nope, never giving in. Oh yes, I did break down and get the automatic this time, kinda, well it was, wifes insistance on that.</p>
<p>Indeed, going JCW doesn’t make quite the statement that other cars might make. (For example the canonical Corvette or Lotus) Still, most of my driving is to and from work. Theres a wee critic in my head that says JCW is overkill, but we’ll see. Since my wife wants an MCS, I may have to go JCW just to be one-up. :-)</p>
<p>The Roadster would be perfect for me except for the tighter fit.</p>
<p>I’m 6’7″ and I fit in the Roadster just fine…in fact, it has the most headroom of any MINI. Visibility is crap, but if you are going to own one you should have the top down most of the time, anyway.</p>
<p>I agree – turning 50 soon – been driving MINIs for 10 years. Probably will be looking at a BMW or Audi, next. It has been fun, but outside of my R53, I’m feeling a little juvenile – cool & fun – but increasingly cutesy & trick.</p>
<p>Turning 67 soon, I love feeling juvenile 🙂 My little, red hardtop is the only vehicle in the neighborhood that looks like it enjoys life! Everything else is bland white, gray, and black sameness!</p>
<p>Correction: my wife’s yellow Clubman is my baby car’s partner is looking alive!</p>
<p>And beige. There’s a special place in my heart for Desert Sand Mica. (shudder)</p>
<p>Don’t give up.
I’m 73 and have had my S Roadster for a year now- love it.</p>
<p>Rocketman? (Please? 🙂 )</p>
<p>I second that. Unfortunately not likely to happen due to the cost of developing a bespoke chassis for just that model. Wasn’t there a rumor of a shared chassis with the next Scion iQ, or was I dreaming that?</p>
<p>Not dreaming. BMW even has a formal platform sharing agreement with Toyota. We just don’t have official confirmation as to what car(s) that includes.</p>
<p>Didn’t know that, awesome! My post was just wishful thinking; good to hear that a Rocketman is at least a distant possibility.</p>
<p>I’ve heard first hand(from a credible brand insider) that the coupe and roadster are going away in the next 2 years. Whether or not it’s true I don’t know…</p>
<p>I very much doubt they’ll keep the Roadster & Coupe in production as the sole cars on the R56 platform when the convertible dies, I think there will be a gap between their death and the new version</p>
<p>By way of an answer: for a split second I read the headline as “Is MINI About to Shrink its Models?” Chop off the length by a foot or so! That would be my most fervent wish. As someone else posted: Rocketman. Because surely “mini” still means something?</p>
<p>Those Fiats looks a little odd to me (and they’re not in the same class), but they’re a nice size.</p>
<p>We’ve also been told to expect a 4-door crossover/people hauler so far code-named the Spacebox and/or Traveller. <— Has mini gone mad bro? Why would you put a MINI bade onto a minivan????????? grrrrr… This will kill the brand.. I just don’t get it. Please no.</p>
<p>Shrinking the lineup is one thing. More importantly, how about shrinking the models. Remember the brand is named MINI for a reason. Regrettably the most recent iterations (post ’06) appear to be prime candidates for The Biggest Loser.</p>
<p>It may be time for BMW to create another MAXI lineup to complement MINI so that the original MINI aesthetic can be resurrected and retained. Big is not always better. Choice may be better strategy.</p>
<p>Regarding the future Clubman and the more sloped rear, does this mean a hatch rather than those ‘stupid doors’? The Clubman fills a niche between the hatch (bigger) and the Countryman (better handling). We love our Clubman but having two rear doors (and maybe door frames to cut down wind noise) would be a real plus.</p>
<p>I hope the rumors of merging the coupe and roadster together are true.</p>
<p>I also hope they aren’t phasing out the Clubman with the addition of the 5 door Hatch and the Paceman/Countryman. I love having extra cargo while still getting the better fuel economy with a more fun ride. But with the direction they’re going it seems unnecessary.</p>
<p>A MINI “Truck” would be kind of a unique addition to the line-up. But people would hate on it pretty hard. El CaMINI.</p>
<p>The MINI Faithful might hate on it, but MINI Tyros might just fall in love with it: I am for peaceful coexistence — and growth!</p>
<p>Well I heard that Hyundai wants to introduce a pickup for the US market. The MINI pickup coming soon???? <em>Shudder</em></p>
<p>Rocketman and Beachcomber please!</p>
<p>I reckon a mini pick-up, harks back to its heritage once again, as do the clubman and clubvan. A countryman estate named ‘Traveller’ may see more favour than a people carrier, why break into the 7 seat market with MINI, BMW never has a doesnt seem to want to ith its own badge so dont ruin MINI by using it as a scape-goat! The roadster/coupe combo sounds good, maybe theyll integrate it to include a folding metal hardtop like the Z4 as an option? Best of both worlds and cloth remains for some as cheap, characterful and classic substitute. I hope the clubman remains, but becomes more refined as a model. The concept of a shooting break sounds good but I feel the double doors shouldstay put for the sake of heritage, even if that is only on the clubvan, which in its next-gen may be its own bodyshell. Something to hark back to Moke may</p>
<p>Something to hark back to the moke may be good. Maybe Beef-up a hatch or clubman with All4 and 4×4 styling, like a fiat panda 4×4, i can see that as a viable option for those living in rural areas who want a bit of the MINI action. As a classic Mini advocate I am of course heoping something one-day comes of the Rocketman. Ive heard rumours of a saloon…. Hopefully this resembles something such as the original elf and hornet. Recreating the original square-nose of the mini clubman, perhaps as a “GT” monicker in reference to the original cooper replacement, the 1275GT, could be good to add a little more variety to the styling of the range. Those who want a more mainstream look but with all the added MINI fun would then have something to consider, maybe MINI could even market it as a luxury division (ie. Lexus, Infiniti) with input from Rolls Royce. It eould have to be damn smart though!</p>
<p>I would love to have a LWB cooper hardtop. I don’t need the weight that comes with club(man) doors in the back or the extra suicide doors. I just want to have a little more room in the back for my soon to be tall family.</p>