The Clubman is unique..it turns heads and inspires questions from admirers. This Crossover looks like a Suburu/Hyundai clone, has no identity of it's own, and certainly has none of the MINI style we've grown to love. They should return to the first version crossover, and quit following japanese styling queues.

 

I thought test cars were supposed to be disguised! It makes a LOT more sense if they painted it a dull gray. The car would MUUUCH less noticeable!

 

What good is a cross-over without ground clearance? It's like calling the H2 a Hummer.

 

+1

 

And tell the designers to come up with something BETTER!! It looks horrible!

 

True...but not at first!!! There was lots of hand-wringing and angst about the Clubman...still is in some circles!! I suspect the same will be true of the SAV. In the end it doesn't matter what I think/like...I'm satisfied w/ a Cooper coupe. Many will find this new MINI iteration to their liking, and they will buy them, and they will be enthused, and they will show up at your local MINI events, and that will be that. Might as well accept it....find the things you do like and go with that.

It's fine to have opinions...but let's not get too wrapped up in them. I had a friend who showed up at a local MINI club event in a brand new '07 R56 MC....and the first gen owners actually moved their cars in the parking lot so they would not be seen parking next to it. This kind of behavior is only that of the most idiotic nerds and is wholly unacceptable. I hope we have learned a few things over the years, and that this will apply to the new SAV owners, even if it isn't our/my personal MINI of choice.

 

Same as with R56, and R50 before it. It's called progress. Companies have to do it to make money and stay in business. I've said it before, but sales of the Porsche Cayenne funded development of "pure" Porsches. Crossover will do the same for MINI. It looks to me like they've retained a lot of Mini-ness in the styling. How else would you expect it to look?

As far as people are concerned, this may attract a more general crowd but that's true of any product as it becomes popular. However, I think the sort of people who would join a local Mini club or forums like this are enthusiasts who should be welcomed regardless of what they drive.

 

It's been a while so I'm almost a newbie; still loving my '06 MCS by the way. I've been thinking of getting a new car when I'm done paying for mine but wanted something a little bit more carrying power so I'm glad that this one is a little bigger but not too big. Also like the 4 door option since my friends keeps scuffing up my seats and door panels with their dirty shoes. One thing I'll miss is probably the corner ability since this will have higher center of gravity, hopefully still not too much. I can see that the back will be hatch back instead of 2 doors, I thought it had the latch for the 2 doors but they're just stickers. Maybe they open on one side just like the one they showed in Paris. I do hope the visibility isn't affected too much by the C-Pillars... Looking at the driver it doesn't even seem like he's driving a SUV but just a regular car, hopefully it's comfortable to ride too. I can see that the gas tank is also in the driver side unlike the concept car they showed in Paris. The only thing I wish for is to hear what the specs are and hope even though this is an SUV, it's still as fuel economic as the regular coupes!

 

In my opinion, the proportions seem to be getting away from what makes the MINI attractive. It looks like it is starting to get that "bloated" look to it. Plus, the front (not only in this picture but others that I have seen) looks like it is too high. Kind of like those car-chase scenes where the car jumps and lands nose heavy, tweaking the chassis so the front end is bent upwards(?).

I've seen some pictures that I like, so maybe it's just all of the camoflauge - but I have always thought it had a nose-high look from the beginning.

 

I was invited to this "Market Reseach" thing for unknown (at the time of invitation) Auto Manufacturer few months ago. And once I signed up and went in I was really Happy it was for MINI!! i got to see all the new concept Vehicles for MINI and this one was one of them. I have Mix feeling about 4 Door MINI/SUV/ whatever. 50 years with just one Model, now they want to be like every other Auto Manufacturer? I mean this SUV looks ok, and so was all the other MINI Concept vehicles I get to see. but I just wish they just stick with the MINI COOPER.
...When is MINI not a MINI anymore?
--------------------------------------------------------
plz excuse my spelling & gramar

 

As long as the weight isn't too outrageous, it looks like what the Clubman should have been. Throw on some aftermarket suspension to drop it a couple of inches and you'll have an AWD Clubman with 4 doors and slightly more interior space. I'd think that this would sell quite well.

 

http://www.minicrossman.com/bmwminin...rossman-1s.jpg
Personally, I like it.

It doesn't look as good as R50's, but then again.... What Does?

 

That digital rendering has been around for a long while now. If the Crossman looked just like that, I would snap it up in a second. Aggressive but still MINI cute.

 

It's growing on me...might have to get one for my wife in a few years.

 

Or in a case like ours, it may keep a Mini customer in a Mini even when family obligations (plans for needing access to one or two child seats) might have forced her into something else.

Jenn loves what little she's seen of this concept. We need more details, but it looks to be RIGHT SIZED for our continuing needs.

And could be the replacement for her 03 Cooper S that she's starting to think about getting rid of.

Kev

 

The cross over is all wheel drive isnt it......Finally a mini we can really rally in todays WRC, its finally long enough

 

Yes, from what I've seen the plan is for it to be AWD, but even as a JCS wouldn't it be tall, heavy and underpowered for WRC?

Aren't the Subaru's pushing 300+ hp?

How about Mistubishis, or Lancers or Fiats? What type of size/weight/power are we talking?

Kev

 

In stock condition I think your right however they gut the entire car and add a couple hundred Gs to the machine. Im sure they could minimize weight, maximize Hp. Heck they could probably throw a GT35 on the car to, with race engineering they really can do what ever they want provided obvious race organization limitations.

 

I don't really like the Clubman, let alone this thing. MINI is getting a little too carried away with themselves. It's just like when Happy Days became popular. The first spin-off, Laverne and Shirley, wasn't so bad, but then they gave us Mork and Mindy and Joannie Loves Chachi. Finally they even replaced Richie Cunningham and made the whole show about Fonzie - Yecccchh. Enough is enough.

 

I'm not familiar with WRC regulations - is it truly ***** to the walls run what you brung, or are there classes? And if the later, what are the limitations.

I used to crew for an SCCA Pro-Rallye team, really amatuer stuff compared to WRC, but there were significant limitations regarding classes, CCs, turbo or NA etc.

I always get so amused by those whose sensabilities are so offended by a COMPANY doing what a COMPANY is supposed to - grow, expand their offerings etc.

The very existance of this thing does not cheapen the car you love so much.

Besides, for every one Gen 1 or Gen 2 offended owner, there's an owner of an original mini that was offended by the Gen 1.

Drive what you like.

We love our Cooper S, but Jenn wants kids (twin boys, how she's planning that I dunno yet), and our Cooper S is a dog that just won't hunt for that duty. So if they come out with this thing, they just might win some customer loyalty.

 

It's a case of the Sneetch's and the stars versus starless ones. Dr. Seuess knew what he wrote about.

 

By no means am I a professional car tuner, but here is a link for the Peugeot 206. The mini shares thew same engine,,,,,( but not really) The WRCs put out about 300hp, but the TQ is freakishly huge!
http://www.rallycars.com/Cars/206_WR...WRC_Specs.html

 

I totally agree... This thing is hideous. MINI is a little too full of themselves lately....They think that plastering the MINI logo on any blob with 4 wheels automatically makes it beautiful and desirable It was a matter of time before MINI's success went to their heads. It is becoming just another Japanese/Korean car company clone

Even www.autoextremist.com has called on BMW to pull the plug on this junker

There is nothing wrong with the old fashioned station wagon concept (Like the Clubman). All MINI really had to do was to add another 1-3 inches to the existing Clubman and offer it with 4 full doors. AWD for those who want it

MINI is entering a slepery slope with this Crossover junk. Leave that for companies with product identity crisis. MINI does not need to go down this path. Either stay MINI or close down the shop

This thing looks like a Toyota FJ Cruiser and that is simply not a good model to follow.

Pull the plug MINI on thisd thing before it is too late.

 

OK now, let's all play nice!

As noted above, our dearly loved Clubman was declared an abomination when it was introduced as a concept. There were changes made from concept to release, as there have been and will be with the "Crossman". A MINI crossover will and does appeal to those who want/need a more practical vehicle and if it helps expand the brand's loyalty base, then that is good for those of us who will be wanting to buy a replacement R55, R56, or R57 when the time comes because MINI will still be a viable company.

So you "purists" are offended? GET OVER IT! Life moves on. It will pass you by if you stay in a rut.

We all have our preferences. I would like an AWD Clubman.

I'll patiently wait for the actual release of the "Crossman" until I decide if I like it. However I feel about it, I will not get upset because MINI is branching into another market segment. Growth is good.

 

I think the only thing we can count on is that the production model won't look anything like the spy photos. Just look at the various body panels. That hood doesn't even fit, and the nose looks like a recycled cooper nose.

Typically, these pre-production models grab components from everywhere. Structurally, that is a Crossover/Crossman/Crosswhatever. Cosmetically, that vehicle is just a Frankenstein of leftover parts.

Mini hit homeruns with the MC, MCconvertible, and MCC. Does anyone really think they're going to just forget how to design a car now?

Me? I'm so stoked for a 4wd Mini. I think there's a real market for it, particularly in the States... Also, I'm very excited to see what the modding community could do with a 4wd vehicle.