Here's a great video of the Mini Crossover Concept.

I post this here because Clubman owners seem particularly interested in it. Maybe it's because they're already thinking outside the box of the original mini, so a crossover concept simply revs their motors.

While I am intrigued and really like the overall look of it, I can't say that I'm much taken with the front grill. The bars across the front look a bit too much like the railings one slides their tray upon in a cafeteria line.

I'm sure glad Mini is doing it.

Here's the link: http://www.motoringfile.com/

 

I was originally enamored with the sliding side door after seeing the pics, but this video demonstrates that it doesn't provide THAT much room to access the rear seats like a minivan sliding door or a Mazda5 sliding door would. I'm a little bummed about that, but am still excited to see what the production model will look like.

I have to say, while I like the concept of the globe interface, I'm skeptical until proven wrong. I'm dreaming that MINI will partner with Apple to create a kick butt user interface. Now THAT would be a dream come true.

 

The look is starting to grow on me a bit. I think it will have it's place for those who have to venture out in nasty winter weather or who simply want a 4x4 for other fun things like driving on the beach (yes there are still some places you can do that ), etc.

If we still lived back East, we would most likely consider this model, but we don't, so we'll stick with what we have..

Donna

 

I still believe it will be way more conventional than this concept when everything is said and done. 4 real doors and a rear bench seat with Clubman sunroof. The NAV version may have some funky interface instead of the globe idea.

 

The front end just does not work IMO. They should condider splitting the grille such as the S models do. It might look more aggressive and more proportional. To me it looks like an old pedal car.

 

I prefer this front end to the one in the video. While this one looks decidedly mini, the other looks too much like an open-mouthed fish with braces on its' teeth

 

I am sure hope the production model will be a little more coventional, because this sure is a little much, but then again it is a concept. The fron of it reminds me more of a Porche Cayenne than a MINI. The NAV globe lokks cool, but is hardly readable from the looks of it and probably is going to be replaced by an LCD type gizmo in production model (maybe like the Clubman concept flipfloping speedo ).

 

Call me nuts, but I just signed up to be no. 1 on the list at my dealer. This would be a great replacement for our 4-wheel drive truck. Just have to finish paying off Otto first.
I think this is supposed to be released in 2010. That would make it doable for me. I wish the back seat would offer a flat platform, but maybe they can't do that with AWD. I really don't have passengers and it would be so much more usable with a flat floor back there for the dogs. I know, my Clubby does that, but the Crossover is a bit larger and would fit the larger Greyhound better.

I'm anxious to see the final design as the Clubman changed a lot over the years till production. I really am not crazy about the rails in the middle and probably would opt not to have a cloth roof so people wouldn't hurt it.

Anyway,it feels exciting to be in the no. 1 spot again. Wish I could have an obsession for something less expensive.

 

Here are pics from the Paris Auto Show:

http://autoshow.autos.msn.com/autosh...entid=10939122

 

It's nice to see MINI pushing the healthy thing with fruit, but I just don't think it would stay put going around corners. And then, God forbid you lose an apple for a month... imagine all the fruit flies!

 

Cloud10, I will be the first to tell you that there will be no fruit tray rails. I bet this will be a conventional 4-door with a possible space in the rear center seat for a 5th passenger. I know Clubman in Europe have that feature. As much as I want one, I won't do a leap of faith and order one like you until I'm sure they don't have those freaky doors.

 

I like it very much! It would be awesome to have a third mini that can get me on the sand in the outer banks to go surfing without draining my wallet for gas.

 

My wife drives a 2002 rav-4 now and when I showed her the concept pic she said " if they fix the front end, I'll buy one" she loves my R 56 but with a small child we defer to her car most of the time now they are making the smallest of crossovers it would fit our family. I think there could be many more 2 MINI families with this vehicle. Put a small diesel in that thing please!!!

 

Here are some serious pics of the crossover concept:

http://www.nextautos.com/spy-shot-fi...#gallery-11738

 

My son has a Honda Element. This one has a lot of the same things as the Element but cuter. If the rear seat room is as good they'll have a good thing here.

 

Looiking at the pictures more it reminds me of the front end of the old FX35 and the body of a CRV.