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MINI Crossman CUV to use 1-Series parts
Motoring File is reporting that the upcoming MINI CUV dubbed Crossman will share elements with the BMW X1 SUV that itself is based on the 1-Series. You heard that right: the MINI Crossman will have parts from the 1-Series, although we don't know which ones will be crossing over just yet. The cross-use of components will save time to market and production costs for both brands. Hopefully the strategy will also keep both new utility vehicles around the same price as their competitors, unlike the BMW 1-series.
Recent spy shots show the Crossman to have the appearance of a raised Clubman, but while the test vehicle only contains two doors, the production version is actually expected to sport four. It will also be larger in every dimension over a standard Clubman, so the pics we keep seeing of a raised Clubman like the one above don't really tell the whole story. Also, don't worry, as the component sharing does entail the inclusion of an AWD system adapted especially for the MINI's configuration.
[Source: Motoring File]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sharon 6:12PM (5/23/2008)
I have owned my Mini Cooper since March 2002, and have had the unique pleasure of driving around for 3-4 months and being one of the one in my local area. I have enjoyed my Mini and the many miles I drove around Europe & UK. As I own 2 boxer dogs my mini has become expensive dog carrier, which as resulted in no back seat for the past 4 1/2 years. But my wish list would be a Mini 5/6 door estate, this could only be an asset to the mini range as families could actually with luggage and perhaps even the odd dog or 2. The Morris Mini Traveller balance with access to the back seat would be my ideal car. I don't want a wider car just a longer one.
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mike 3:33PM (12/20/2007)
CUV--SUV, so does that mean that this car will be under TRUCK fuel economy standards? I know PT Cruiser was?
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Paul 3:51PM (12/20/2007)
Interesting. I suppose the N54 engine is out as an option, but I could see the suspension making it in.
BTW, what 1 series competitors are a lot cheaper? I'd say the primary competition is the Evo and STi, both of which are the same price. I suppose you could include the GTO or 350Z if you feel like slumming it. ;)
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LBuzzer 4:17PM (12/20/2007)
Keeping the silly little clamshell door on only one side of the car is absolutely stoopid. If you wish to make this a possibility as a primary car for small families who don't need to pack every single toy their kids have for a weekend road trip, you need those full-size rear doors. I think it would also look less dumb by having conventional cutlines on the sides instead of the small door, misplaced C-pillar, and the asymmetrical design.
As it is now, the Clubman and Crossman are only taking sales away from people who would get a Cooper anyway. This is no way to increase market share. I doubt people would go for this as a second car - I mean, a second "SUV"?? WTF?
Make the Crossman a true 4-Door, and let people get the Cooper S as a second car. That's the only way these two extended Coopers would make any sense.
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Doogs 7:05PM (12/20/2007)
1 - Did you even read the post? The Crossman's rumored to have four full doors, so your rant is misplaced.
2 - We have a baby on the way, and while the wife's CR-V will do most kid-hauling duties, I know it'll be my turn now and then. I'm not sure my Mini will cope - if not, I'll be looking hard at the Clubman.
3 - Actually, as of now, the Clubman and Crossman aren't taking sales from anything, as they aren't on sale. And claiming they'll only take sales from people who would be buying the Cooper anyway is ludicrous. People said the SAME EXACT THING about the Wrangler Unlimited, and its outselling the two-door what, three to one? Provide the same experience, with more practicality, and people who might have shied away will buy. What an amazing concept.
rmc 6:34PM (12/20/2007)
1 series has no competitors, it is unique and prestigious (BMW, remember) and while the added convenience of 0.5 door on one side of clubman is nice i agree that the crossman will have 5... 3+0.5+0.5 doors.
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RMc 6:35PM (12/20/2007)
Damn Mini for being the child of BMW. One of the most favored cars on the market by enthusiast is spoiled by its parent's love for raking buyers over the coals with inflated sticker prices. Especially with optional equipment!
Toyota, Honda, Mazda: Can you please make a small, slightly upmarket, fun, and CHARACTERFUL car for a better value? Shrink a Mazda3 and only sell a higher end ($18-23K loaded [not base price like a Mini]) version and you're almost there.
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Doogs 7:08PM (12/20/2007)
Remember the Mazda MX Micro Sport concept from a few years back? Basically a Mazda Mini, albeit with four full doors.
Sigh...another fantastic concept that'll never see the light of production.
Doogs 6:56PM (12/20/2007)
So, after all the caveats in the post about the Clubman mules NOT being indicative of the final product, you post design sketches of the Clubman?
WTF?
Way to go and confuse all those who just look at the pic and think it's the actual vehicle.
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summazooma 9:14PM (12/20/2007)
Rear Suspension? Rear Diff? Wheels (perhaps more rugged)? Brakes?
I can't imagine much more than these kinds of components making their way from the 1-series/ X1 over to a Crossman based on the current MINI...
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nathan 11:27AM (12/21/2007)
you're all missing the big picture.
the MINI is supposed to be a small car, right?
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Doogs 7:31AM (12/22/2007)
"the MINI is supposed to be a small car, right?"
Sigh.
Why is it so impossible for people to reconcile the idea of Mini building a small crossover/SUV/wagon thing?
Close your eyes and think about a 5-door Mini, about the size of a Mazda3 5-door, with a slightly raised ride height a la an Audi Allroad or Volvo XC70, and more aggressive, rallyesque styling. Then add all-wheel drive and (please) a turbodiesel.
How could that not be a compelling vehicle? There are plenty of ways they could get it wrong, but I don't think it'll be all that hard for them to get it right, either. And it'll outsell the snot out of the Clubman in the states.