Hi, I'm new to this site but I like the Mini and joined to get news about the Mini. Does anyone know if Mini is planning to make a four-door version anytime soon?

 

Unfortunately it appears to be that a MINI Traveller wagon version or a 5-door MINI will not debut in the market place until model year 2008.

We would love to have a 5-door MINI wagon but it appears to be at least 4 to 5 years away.


MINI, are you listening????

 

>>Hi, I'm new to this site but I like the Mini and joined to get news about the Mini. Does anyone know if Mini is planning to make a four-door version anytime soon


Welcome to MCO,

I know that a convertible is due out next year. I've read rumors in car magazines of a possible four door and possible suv or cross over Mini, but at this point they are still rumors. My guess is that they will make a four door but that is probably a couple of years away.

RaceCarDriver

 

Oh gosh, no SUV based MINI...PLEASE!

 

I've had several 4-door MINI articles over the past year on my site (newest to oldest):

http://www.bridger.us/mini/?Y=2003&M...heFourDoorMINI

http://www.bridger.us/mini/?Y=2003&M...OnThe4DoorMINI

http://www.bridger.us/mini/?Y=2003&M...uBuyA4DoorMINI

 

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-goin440 IB/IB MC on 17" Volks

 

What a perfectly hideous idea! In order to do it, you'd have to extend the body and wheel base. Doing this would throw the nimbleness and great handling of the car out the window. At current figures, making the changes to add 2 doors would probably increase the weight of the car by a couple hundred pounds (if not more). Just what the world needs....competition for the Saturn wagon.

Sadly, I'm sure at some point in the future, it'll be done. My question is will they keep a shorter 2 door version? Probably not, as they'd be making 2 different chassis.

 

>>What a perfectly hideous idea!

 

MINI has made wagons, trucks and the Moke in the past. Why wouldn't BMW explore the possibilities of doing it again?

 

>>MINI has made wagons, trucks and the Moke in the past. Why wouldn't BMW explore the possibilities of doing it again?

They are. You will see more MINI variations with the R56 but probably not after 2008.

 

>>What a perfectly hideous idea! In order to do it, you'd have to extend the body and wheel base. Doing this would throw the nimbleness and great handling of the car out the window. At current figures, making the changes to add 2 doors would probably increase the weight of the car by a couple hundred pounds (if not more). Just what the world needs....competition for the Saturn wagon.
>>
>>Sadly, I'm sure at some point in the future, it'll be done. My question is will they keep a shorter 2 door version? Probably not, as they'd be making 2 different chassis.


The Mini is built on the same platform as the new BMW 1 series which is due out next year. I believe the 1 series will offer a two door, convertible and a four door.

The Mini is already a two door, the convertible is on its way, so I think we will see a four door down the road

RaceCarDriver

 

>>The Mini is built on the same platform as the new BMW 1 series which is due out next year. I believe the 1 series will offer a two door, convertible and a four door.
>>
>>The Mini is already a two door, the convertible is on its way, so I think we will see a four door down the road
>>

The MINI is built on a different platform as the upcoming 1 series. The only real similarity will be the z-link rear suspension. The 1 series will be a front engined rear wheel drive car with 50/50 weight distribution - a very different beast than a MINI.



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I hope they DON'T. I saw a spy picture of a test model and it looks HORRIBLE. It looks "chopped." You know, like parts were stolen and the car was cut in half. In other words, the second set of doors ruins the symmetry of the body's appearance. Unless your kids are 6' tall, you likely will not enjoy the appearance of a 4-door Clubman.

 

Eww a four door MINI!! I would love it if they made a hard top convertible or allow for the barn door boot on a regular MC not just the Clubman. That would be sweeeet. Can't wait to see what they come out with next

 

Funny, some people might say the same thing about the Clubman.

I love the idea of the Clubman (I'm ordering one), but I think the perfect solution would just be a 4-door Clubman. It wouldn't surprise me in the least bit if this eventually happened. It's just like the first trucks with a "third" door. They were a big hit and eventually they added a similar door to the driver's side. There were some design constraints with the decision to make just one "club-door", but I see them being overcome in years to come.

I personally think a "full size" Mini is a betrayal of the brand, but if people will buy it and it will be a cash cow for Mini, then it will happen. However, more dealers and better sales are a good thing for all of us.

There is hope though - just like I felt the Porsche Cayenne is an abomination to the company's heritage, they still continue to stay true to what makes Porsche, Porsche. In the end it is a business decision, and I think the Mini "purests" out there (like those on this board) will keep the true spirit of Mini alive.

My 2 cents...

*I actually just realized the date on this original post... perhaps that comment WAS about the Clubman!