Rumor: MINI Five Door Hatch to Spawn Crossover
In an effort to combat the onslaught of small crossovers rumors are pointing to MINI modifying the F55 five door hatch and creating a junior Countryman. First heard from our sources last fall, Motor.es has some details on the project.
The concept is simple – lift the F55 and turn it into a “mild” crossover to better compete with cars such as the Audi A1. While details are scared we’d expect a slight lift with some new roof rails and body cladding. Critically MINI won’t modify any body structure to keep costs down and speed to market quick. The overall effect will be one of a rugged F55 with a higher seating position and sight-lines.
Expect the F55 junior Countryman in production form by 2021.
<p>An F54-based crossover would make more sense. MINI even teased this back in 2016 with the All4 Scrambler concept:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2016/06/08/world-premier-mini-clubman-all4-scrambler-concept/" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2016/06/08/world-premier-mini-clubman-all4-scrambler-concept/</a></p>
<p>Funny you mention that. It was a one-off created by MINI of Italy but it immediately drew praise of folks at MINIUSA who clearly saw promise in the concept. From there I’m guessing conversations were had…</p>
<p>I think this is a fabulous idea. It seems MINI will be pretty limited in what they can do styling wise since the intent is to have minimal impact on current F55 production components, however I still think there is opportunity to make a sharp looking product. Just make sure it will be offered with a manual transmission. If they get it right I’m in for 2021, as I think a lot of other potential consumers might be. MINI please go forward with this idea!!!!!</p>
<p>I find it highly ironic that Mini needs to make a smaller vehicle to compete. Says to me they have lost their way with the current generation and size increases…</p>
<p>Not true. They would make a bigger vehicle if they could because that’s what the market is asking for. As it stands that will have to wait until the next generation. For the time being they have few options to create another crossover other than a rugged Clubman or five door hatch.</p>
<p>Yes, but the countryman originally was the small crossover like vehicle, and it has obviously grown enough that there is room for something smaller.</p>
<p>Yes and no. The issue MINI is trying to solve is on several fronts. The largest market it’s missing are the compact crossovers of which the Countryman is on the very small side. So the next generation Countryman will grow in size and spawn larger models. In addition to that, there’s a growing sub-compact crossover market in Europe that MINI wants to compete in. The F55 crossover will do that in the short term with a model dedicated model coming in the next generation.</p>
<p>The Beetle Dune hardly set the world on fire.</p>
<p>An AWD JCW F55 would truly be my dream car. I know it won’t ever happen, so I just have to hope whenever it’s time to get rid of my F56 they still make the clubman. I know at some point my fiancé and I will need a family car, but MINIs definitely fit the around town M.O.</p>
<p>It’s the revival of the Paceman! But with five “doors” and more headroom in the back.</p>
<p>I’d be all over this with AWD. I have an F55 and it’s the missing piece for me.</p>
<p>The prospect of a higher riding F55 Crossover with extra body cladding, and the possibility of an F55 Cooper S E, and yet another LCI, should be enough to maintain customer interest in the smaller MINIs until 2023.</p>
<p>I’m confused. Isn’t a rugged F55 crossover what the original Countryman was?</p>
<p>What am I missing?</p>
<p>Would make a lot more sense to just bring back the Old Body Style “SIZE” countryman,(with updates of course) which was a perfect balance of size. That would clearly be a Jr Countryman, is it actually is a countryman.</p>