Hi all,

My Cooper hasn't even reached the U.S yet (lands tomorrow ) and my wife is already talking about a Clubman for her. i am wondering what, if any, changes MINI has in store for the 09 model. should we wait or go ahead with an 08? Anyone have any insight?

 

Talk of an AWD based on the clubman, which may or may not have 4 doors, look exactly like the clubman, or something very different.

 

Oh man, this may be the clincher. She would be getting rid of a Subaru Outback which serves as our ride in winter weather. One of our plans was to get here a Clubman and then get an old beater 4wd of some sort to use when needed. But if MINI is going to offer an AWD in 09 we would wait. Is this "talk" just that...talk. I read something else about AWD in another thread somewhere but the thinking sounded more like it was something down the raod, if at all.

 

The AWD has been reported as a go for 2009, as a 2010 model. The only thing that seems in question is whether it will be essentially an AWD Clubman or a somewhat more SUV-like vehicle (but still small and lok like a Mini).

 

So it's likely the earliest would be Spring or Summer of next year. I wonder how much AWD will up the price?

 

Just as a guess, I would say around $2k, all else being equal. If they turn it into a Sidewalk type project, much more.

 

This is what MINI was saying it might look like.
http://allcarsallthetime.blogspot.co...-mini-suv.html

 

That's not what MINI says. MINI won't release any details, though that seems a decent guess.

 

OK, so a MINI AWD/SUV is possible. But what about the Cooper/Clubman? Any significant changes to them for 09?