I'm just curious as to how they can still call it a Mini! Even if it's the size of a Fit, that's not a small car.

Although I guess when I see a jumbo shrimp I think it's big, but still a shrimp...

 

LOL, actually I like Jumbo Shrimp.

I think the final size is gonna define it for sure.

Original reports claimed it would be Clubman size, but now it's sounding like it will be a little bigger (i.e. "over 4 meters") or MORE than 157" (the overall length of the clubman).

So it depends how much more - here are some comparitive figures to put it in perspective

Cooper/Cooper S - 146"
Clubman/Clubman S - 157"
Suzuki SX4 - 163"

Dodge Caliber, Jeep Patriot, WRX/Imprezza - are all 173.8"

328iX - 178.2"
X3 - 179.9"

And let's keep in mind that that X3 is far from BIG when it comes to SUVs.

The X1 is reported to measure at 176" or just 4" shorter than the X3 and 2" shorter than an iX.

But that's the X1 and even if the Crossman shares underpinnings with it I would HOPE that body differences would still be enough to shorten it more.

I guess it would have to come in somewhere shy of about 170" for me to really consider it a "Mini" compared to other offerings on the market.

And if so, it would still be shorter than just about everything else in its class.

But I'd be happiest if they brought it in around 160" or so maybe a HAIR more, but still less than the SX4.

But time will tell.

 

Funny how the BMW/MINI paid defenders are planted in these forums to "shape" the opinions of those of us that are less than impressed with the idea of a MINI SUV.

It has been cleared up from the beginning of time that in order for MINI to survive in the long term, different models would have to be build. We have a hardtop, convertible, Clubman wagon and different performance variants (JCW, GP, etc).

Here is the problem chaps...... MINI can not evolve into just another car company catering to everyone's desire. That has gotten VW in trouble (Remember the Phaeton?) and even BMW. A manufacturer whose objective as of late is to put a new 3 series on every driveway in America.

MINI needs to pull the plug on the R60. It is simply a terrible idea. According to MF, the 2WD models will start at $29K and the AWD S models nearly $40K. Absurd. Clearly BMW is competing against itself.

At $30K there is fantastic product to be had from BMW and the competition. I can grab a brand new BMW 328i Sportwagon for $35,400 and if I do Euro delivery the price comes down to $32,900. Sorry but an E92 3 series wagon is a much better car than the R60 anyday of the week. It may not have the MINI "Chic" aurora but it is still a better suited vehicle.

Besides, people hate station wagons, so those 328i Sportwagons are not a common sight like its 4 door, coupe and convertible breathen.

I love MINI and likely my next MINI (5th one) will be a Clubman and not this ugly overpriced FJ Cruiser like blob they are trying to pass as a "MINI".

 

Hahah I'm sorry, what were you saying about shaping opinions?

I love my FJ Cruiser.

 

And that is exactly my point.

If you want a FJ Cruiser like vehicle, then get the real thing.

I am not a fan of the FJ Cruiser but I know people that own them and love them.

 

ClubmanS, you think this after hitting 6th gear?

Serious agreement on price point: $29-$40k base loses me (and others) to semi-stylish other cars. Their whole line needs to come down, at the current levels, when my '06 ios ready for replacement or my wife replaces her VW Cabrio, it may not be with a Mini no matter HOW much we like them.

Problem is, the Mini division is making money BUT Corporate BMW is losing money... and BMW's butchering the Golden Mini Goose by not only cutting back in BMW, but also a bunch of Mini support.

I still like it. No, it's not a direct descendant of the 1959 Morris / Mini, but it's got spirit (as long as they give it some serious wheel/tire, not those skinny things on the one prototype - yucch!).

 

Much ado about the aesthetics of a test mule.

The d*mn thing still has 5 lug hubs from the x3 drivetrain, is covered with a non fitting R56 hood, has a rorschach test paint job, and people are braying on about how ugly it is.

The internet is amazing.

 

I love how people are getting upset. It is a concept. I definatly think MIN has to venture away from what they have if they are going to survive. They need a true four door car(or a true five door hatch) to compete. I know a few guys that actually went with the five door GTI to have room. They wanted a MINI but wanted a true 4 door car.

I saw we just give BMW/MINI time. i don't think they would release a car that did fit the fun drivability of a MINI.

 

I couldn't agree more ... and how well they do that will determine the Crossman's success.

 

I could not disagree more.

You don't have to offer a wide variety of models to be successful. You just have to be really good making one or two models.

If what you're saying is true, GM and Ford would be doing a lot better than they are. And Ferrrari would be bankrupt.

 

First off the concept that I or others here might be BMW shills is hilarious - like BMW gives enough of a crap about these forums to read em...

That said, I don't think I've asserted that Mini HAS to diversify to survive, only that a SLIGHT diversification might help with regards to growing the business slightly.

I don't believe for a SECOND the $40k price tag, and IF that happens, you're right, it's a still-birth.

Just like I think it could be a still-birth if it's TOO BIG - too "anti-mini"

But I haven't seen anything that makes me believe it is going to be that way - YET. Time will tell I guess.

Kev

 

You know, there are some here that no matter what Mini does, they can't deal with change. Just look back when the R56 came out. You would have sworn it was pure heresy! There were people here that said the new R56 was just butt ugly. Time moves on and things change. Personally I embrace technology and look forward to seeing the Crossman if it ever comes out.

 

If it's a 5 seater, I will be buying one when it come over, I like it so far, cant wait for official pics and specs

 

What makes you think those people have changed their minds about the R56 ?

 

Don't fix what ain't broken my friend. There is no need to re-invent the wheel

Oh and change for the sake of change is never a good thing. I wondered if you had made this post had you been a long time R53 owner

 

I like this argument.

Mini is special. Mini has character and History. I think Mini is doing just fine and its the failing BMW who wants to milk its only nipple that still is lactating. (bad analogy? )

I agree that the Classic owners were outraged when the R50-3 came out and the R50-3 people were kinda upset with the R56. Then of course, there is the Clubman which is a whole nother argument. But the crossman is different. The previous models were still Mini Coopers. This is not. This is so far away from the brand and character of what Mini is. Its the Oxymoron. I dont think it will handle like a mini. I wouldnt go motoring in an suv.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/09/...icial-release/

Who am I to talk though. What is sad, is that people will buy it and it will make money. I hope that the actual SUV is different from the concept in a lot of aspects. Dont hate me, thats just what i think.

 

If I said it once, I'll say it twice. MOKE !!! Stop trying to change heritage because you can't deal with change.

 

Silence Heretic! j/k
I will say the R53 fits my personality and tastes better than the 56 and the Crossman will fit some other peoples tastes. If a popular SUV makes it possible to put better and better other MINIs on the road, cool. A lot of Jeep owners were saying the same things about the Compass and Patriot (and I agree with them more), that they were diluting the brand not being true offroad machines, and the entire time there's been a hard-core group of CJ owners who think any Jeep made after 1986 isn't really a Jeep anymore.

 

It is in Washingt.... oh, never mind.

 

I agree, I had a CJ7 back in 84 and when the wrangler came out it just wasn't a Jeep in my eyes.

 

Oooooo that was low

 

Wow, this whole discussion is giving me flashbacks from when Porsche introduced the Cayenne. There were MANY loyal Porsche enthusiasts who felt they were deflating the brand, etc.

Now, the Cayenne is accepted, but still viewed as major departure from the traditional Porsche philosophy.


I personally like the Crossman and think it will do very well (unless it is overpriced). Just remember that any corporation has one main objective.....to make money.

 

I can't believe this thread is still alive! But whatever; let's kick this dead horse. Slow work day.

Why is that sad? Why is the success of the company that makes the car you love a bad thing?

BMW isn't special? BMW doesn't have history?

And regardless, the "mini" of which you speak is more BMW than Mini anyway. It is luxurious, heavy, full of bells and whistles, complex, and well built. None of those things truly represent the character or history of the mini.

I don't get why people are upset that something that is a departure from the brand could succeed when the brand itself is a departure from the brand.

 

Very well said !!

 

Sorry, but it's still fugly.