REPORT: MINI-ute in development
With the MINI Clubman rapidly approaching production, and the new cabrio coming along, the BMW-owned automaker is reportedly working on another variation of the theme: the MINI crossover.
Although rumors have been bouncing around for a while of a MINI-derived mini-ute, the automotive sleuths over at MotoringFile say they have it on good authority that the vehicle has been given the green light for production, and has now entered the development phase.
Alternately code-named R59 or R60 and referred to internally as the "Colorado", the crossover is reported to be based on the Clubman, but with more rugged styling, a larger body, possibly more doors (suicide rear doors would be a smart choice) and a new advanced all-wheel-drive system.
The news also comes hot on the heels of the reported Fiat 500 crossover derivative. Let the retro wars begin.
[Source: MotoringFile]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mehugtree 4:20PM (7/09/2007)
Sounds nifty. If it gets good mileage, may be a winner.
But please, drop the rear suicide doors ala the Honda Element, the may LOOK cool, but they totally suck in the real world. Horrible to get in/out of in parking lots, etc.
How about trying some full sliding side doors, Mini?
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Chris Mc. 11:39AM (7/10/2007)
Like this?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_1007
Barney 4:26PM (7/09/2007)
There certainly is a market for a ute and the min ute would fit the bill. The suicide doors would be of benefit, should the buyer decide to actually use it off road. Congratulations BMW on a well thought out vehicle. Perhaps a PTO driven winch could be an added accessory.
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Daniel Cowan 5:25PM (7/09/2007)
If BMW does something like what Audi did with the allroad, it wouldn't conflict with true mini enthusiasts. I don't know if there is a rule for 4 doors on a mini cooper, but if BMW takes the mini name but not the cooper, the idea could float. Take caution BMW, and make sure both sides even out.
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Johnny Rocket 5:48PM (7/09/2007)
The Mini S is on my radar, and a Mini-ute would go great with it for my mountain trips--assuming it has some form of wilderness potential.
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TheOtherDave 9:45PM (7/09/2007)
The last thing MINI needs to do is go chasing the CRV and RAV4.
All of these features (suicide doors, AWD drivetrain, additional storage space) will add weight to already rather heavy car, further diluting the formula that made the Cooper and Cooper S so successful.
The Patriot and Nitro are languishing on dealer lots, so why should MINI jump into a crowded and stagnant market?
In every possible way, I'm disgusted by the idea.
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seltzered 10:58PM (7/09/2007)
I think we saw a concept of this before:
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/08/mini-traveler/
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James 8:04AM (7/10/2007)
I loathe the word "crossover" with a passion! I love the Clubman idea, but I'd pass on this.
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