Just as MINI is ramping up to launch the Clubman wagon in addition to its current lineup for 2008, rumors are flying about a possible MINI compact sport utility vehicle, reportedly inspired by the Austin Ant and MINI Moke, dunebuggy-ish off-roaders originally designed for the British military. BMW's California DesignWorks studio is apparently already working on a design, and production would likely take place in the U.S. at BMW's Spartanburg plant. It would include BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive and rumor has it that the CUV would actually be based on the same platform as the BMW 1-Series.
Thanks to the Spartanburg plant's flexible manufacturing system, the CUV would be right at home next to the BMW X5 and Z4 roadster models, odd as that may sound.
Click through to the link to see a concept drawing of the MINI SUV and some spy photos of the Clubman.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
G. Snyder @ Jun 7th 2007 10:16AM
The only problem is that Mini relies so heavily on nostalgia that it is hard to branch out into new territory and still maintain the same cachet. If there is a historical precedent for a vehicle, even if it is somewhat removed, I say go for it.
Blake @ Jun 7th 2007 10:17AM
So. Fucking. Gross.
Rick Lyon @ Jun 7th 2007 10:22AM
SUV? It's a freaking wagon. An ugly MINI wagon at that.
Thirty-Nine @ Jun 7th 2007 10:29AM
Oh good -- another potential "crossover" on the market. Just what we need!
Nellydesign @ Jun 7th 2007 10:28AM
I actually like the rendering, but to fit the heritage it should just be an all wheel drive 2 door mini with a slighlty higher ground clearance and some modifications to the facias to make it look more butch. Like a Mini Allroad.
Rick Lyon @ Jun 7th 2007 10:37AM
lol, I don't mind so much if they are nicely designed and functional. This just looks like a Tonka toy US version of the MINI and I'm not sure I understand why it's needed. For MINI offroading over pebbles?
Nellydesign @ Jun 7th 2007 10:32AM
I take it back. The Moke and Austin Ant should not be glorified or remebered in any way. They look like clown cars or golf carts. There is no historic precedent for a Mini SUV or Crossover, but I still like the rendering.
Jonathan Hicks @ Jun 7th 2007 10:32AM
Mini doesn't need a crossover SUV at all. I do not think it will fit Mini's brand image.
dcwf @ Jun 7th 2007 10:36AM
That rendering is to the Austin Ant/MINI Moke what Don Cherry is to sartorial presence.
CJ @ Jun 7th 2007 10:53AM
Thanks. I just did a spit take with my coffee all over my monitor. Ug. That's hideous. That's not MINI-esque at all!
I think there may be a place for it in the brand, but this ain't it!
It would be cool if it followed the previous moke, pure function... though not so cheap lookin! ..strip down the upcoming clubman to it's bare minimum with a more angular look, add 4x4, jack it up and there you go!
Doogs @ Jun 7th 2007 11:13AM
A big part of the Mini's appeal and sales success is that, while it is a small car, it is by no means a penalty car. If you think there's any chance they'll "strip it down to the bare minimum", you've got another thing coming.
CJ @ Jun 7th 2007 11:27AM
I don't mean stipping about the good things, I mean make it LOOK like it wants to go off-road, just like the current MINI looks like it wants to be on the road.
I am a proud MINI owner... so I definately understand the brand!
tikirob @ Jun 7th 2007 11:10AM
The Clubman...fine, but a SUV? I thought Mini was a way to get people to eventually get a BMW, they have some nice SUVs. Maybe this is a way for BMW to have a entry level SUV without tarnishing there Brand name.
Rob
http://www.autoshortlist.com
Mike @ Jun 7th 2007 2:20PM
>I thought Mini was a way to get people to eventually get a BMW
Would have been a good plan, but the BMW dealers treat the MINI owners like crap. I own an 06 Cooper S, fantastic car, I love it, but the BMW dealer's service and attention to the MINI owners had made me decide to move on to something else when it's time to buy again.
For example, it can take WEEKS to get an appointment for normal service, and even when you get an appointment the work done (by my local dealer) is sub par. Simple math really I suppose. Consider you're mixing $20-$30K car owners with $50-$80+K car owners, which customers are you going to spend more time with?
MINI needs to get it's own dealer network up and running. Even if it's next door to the BMW dealer. That way they will make their customers feel like they are the focus, not just the Red-Headed step child.
Doogs @ Jun 7th 2007 11:21AM
Personally, I'd love to see something like this hit the market. Ideally, around the time I have to begin looking for a replacement for my Cooper S.
I love the Mini, and it suits me better than fine for now, but with kids in the future, some real rear doors would be greatly appreciated. Too bad the Clubman's only got the suicide doors. That, and it throws the proportions off. It looks too long and hearse-like.
A chunkier "Mini Allroad" as one commenter put it, would help with the proportion problems.
That, and it would offer BMW a way to get some of their smaller-displacement diesels to the U.S., because there's no way they'll put anything less than a six into anything they happen to bring over.
A Mini whatever-you-call-it crossover with good proportions and the 2.0-liter diesel out of the 120d and 320d? Yes, please!
Steve C @ Jun 7th 2007 12:13PM
Shouldn't it be the "Mini-Van"?
Calebe @ Jun 7th 2007 12:30PM
That is just crazy, pure and simple. CRAZY. Has BMW lost its corp mind?
wolliam @ Jun 7th 2007 1:19PM
ugly
http://clubvaio.blogspot.com/
Kumar @ Jun 7th 2007 3:08PM
It looks like my Subie outback and a mini had a slightly retarded love child.
rv @ Jun 7th 2007 3:13PM
Just like the current Mini, I'd be too embarrassed to even be a passenger in that thing, sorry - I'll just admire it from afar. Very afar.