I don't need a bigger MINI and so am not, personally, interested in the Traveller. I was not a big fan of the classic Traveller either.

 

Interesting - people have a different opinion so just call them names..

I don't see any whiners or crybabies (lordy)

Personally I'm just chiming in to a thread with pics/info on the prototype with my 02 like others, it doesn't matter much what they do with the next gen since I have my MCS and know that other great cars will be available in the future. Guess I don't buy into the marketing that anything else is an appliance (funny how that comes up on every brand forum when putting down other cars) and I'm not married to a brand. I do hope they come through and keep the spirit of the car intact, as well as keep it good lookin

 

Calling names? No I don't think so. Its call objective observation

In 4 years of being in MINI enthusiast forums, I always see the same degree of resistance to change by "some" folks in the community. It happened before the MINI convertible was released and the the ultimate "sacrilege" of them all: The Cooper S Automatic. And then we criticize the folks in the classic Mini community for being absolute bigots when it comes to the current MINI...

My beef is not with a difference of opinion. Rather with the arrogant demeanor of some people to say that "others" don't have or should not have a choice because they uphold to their recalcitrant "Purist" views. Oh my! MINI should never offer a Cooper S automatic because that "diminishes" the "performance catchet" perception of my Cooper S 6MT. So what?????

The Cooper S manual and the auto they have been happily co-existing with each other in dealer showrooms since 1 year ago and the auto S has not eroded in the *least* the market and enthusiast perception of the Cooper S model.

MINI is about CHOICE. If MINI makes a pick up truck, so be it. Some folks will want it others will despise it, the truth is that no one is putting a gun to your head to buy a convertible, MCS auto or the Traveller.

Why is this so hard to understand?

Sure, there are other "alternatives" already available in the market, but most of them don't do a thing for me. I want a MINI and if I want a MINI with a slightly longer wheelbase, an extra pair of rear doors and better boot capacity, why not? I don't want to depart MINI to another brand just because some "Purists" loudly complain that MINI should not cater to the needs of their customers when their outgrow their 3 door hatchbacks?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when other people want to push their narrow minded views on me, that's where I draw the line.

 

As long as we're wishin, conjecturin, crystal-ball gazin and tea leaf readin, I'll add my 3 cents (inflation);
How about a twin-charged MCS with AWD?
Can you say WRX eater?
I knew you could!

 

I just reread the entire thread and do not even see a hint of that here. Some may not like the proto and/or the bigger car is not for them, but no one came close to pushing their views on anyone. You are over reacting.

 

They should make and option for three spots in the back. My friend has three kids. He wanted a MINI but got a VW GTI instead. The back is not bigger in the VW, just has three seatbelts. For his kids it works great.

 

Maybe Eval. I am pretty oversentive to things like this. Yes I need to take a chill pill.


PS: My posts where not directed at you, by the way.

 

I understand - I'm with you completely on the purist thing, and agree that opinions can come accross as insulting when out of context and put forth as fact; ie when someone is asking/posting about the MCSa and someone says something disparaging about it that is off the point/not helpful/insulting, or if you were saying you wanted a Traveller and someone made some sort of 'you're a loser the Traveller is an abomination" type comment and I just didn't think that was the case here. I like to think that I am pretty tuned in to that and make a point of trying to be fair but also state my opinions if warranted so I'm glad it was not something I said. I am also probably rather touchy about the name calling thing since I've seen that happen to just put people down who have valid POVs so many times on messageboards - nothing personal intended. Enjoy your Traveller if you get it, I just hope they keep a mini MINI in the pack

 

I don't think I like it. I don't think the Cooper's front end works on a vehicle that size.

I did want MINI to come out with another line of vehicles. However, I assumed it would recieve its own unique identity, instead of some weird characature rip-off of the Cooper.

 

I wanna little pick-em-up truck developed from this travellur chassis!

mebbe an avalanche, as interpreted by MINI?

pickup pickup pickup

 

discrimination and bigotry isnt about understanding but acceptance...

 

I want a traveler......just keep the width, height and rear end (with one door hatchback as it currently is) but add that third door to the passenger side. Add the 12 or so inches and perfect. Also keep weight gain to a minimum...no turbo or supercharger....just 6 speed with overdrive to keep the revs low at curising speed.....am I asking to much??? Oh Oh Oh..base price at 20K. The concept is over the top....obviously..and the rear looks like crap.

 

Whats worse is the Chrysler designed Mini engine was originally inteded to go in the PT Cruiser until they switched to something else.

 

The original MINI engine was a joint project, which was used in the Neons sold in the European market. I'm guessing that the new Traveller engine will be using the new MINI engine built by Peugeot/Opel.

 

Probably but I was looking at the comparison photo to the current PT cruiser. Just another odd simialrity even though it did not happen.

 

As a clarification, there was never a plan to use the 1.6L engine that's in the MINI in any Chrysler/Dodge vehicle sold in the US. And there's little wrong with the motor. Sure it's low tech, but it's pretty stout. Fireball Tim has raved about it's durability. And what other motors do you know of that put out over 100hp per liter? It's a short list. A stock MCS puts down over 106hp/L and the JCW put down 130hp/L. That's some pretty good company for a "PT Cruiser" motor.

 

This was just posted on MMMC if it has been posted here sorry but i had to

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/autoexp...traveller.html

 

That may be true. All I have to go by is that the Mini Sales guy said that the motor was originially planned for dual use in the Mini and the Dodge PT cruiser. I understand that the end result was the Mini and some european Dodge smaller cars.

 

from the pics i have seen the car is ugly =P

 

The 2008 Traveller is the ONLY second MINI I have a chance at getting. Tried last week to get my wife to trade her Passat SW for a MC, it would have made us a 2 MINI family. She said no because she didn't want to have to fight to put my daughter in her car seat 4 or 5 times a day. With the swing doors it should be a lot easier. I doubt if there will be many bugs in the new platform, but by 2008 they should all be worked out anyhow. My MA is already on notice that we may want the first one they bring over.

P.S. IF MINI hold the line on options and price, I will never go 30K for a MINI...