Seemingly a rolling contradiction in terms, the upcoming MINI SUV model, previously (but probably not officially) known as the Crossman, has been seen out in the wild again. Like before, the little SUV wears very little clothing, leaving almost all of its altered-bits out in the open. After looking at the previous set of spy shots and the newest one here, we just can't see the not-a-Crossman doing any off-roading. Soft-roading... maybe, but we honestly think this is a vehicle that will never see anything worse than bad weather. Naming and classification reservations aside, MINI may not have much trouble moving curb-busting Coopers off of dealers' lots, as many enthusiasts will likely be drawn to the availability of all-wheel drive on a MINI for the first time. Not only that, this vehicle could be one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles on the market in the U.S., save for hte Suzuki SX-5, and there's something to be said for that.
[Source: Autoweek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
eightyd @ Apr 2nd 2008 9:27AM
Can we not call it an SUV? A CUV maybe, but I like to think of SUV's as not having car-based unibody platforms. This thing is not offroading. I realize that the line is as blurred as a day old contrail, but let's try to narrow it down. Semantics, I know.
Guenther @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:49AM
Funny- that's exactly how they are defined across the pond.
Pat @ Apr 2nd 2008 9:34AM
You write "save for hte Suzuki SX-5"
Is this a new model or a typo?
SeattleJeremy @ Apr 2nd 2008 1:00PM
Yea, that's a typo, it should be "SX4". With no dash.
Gregg @ Apr 2nd 2008 9:36AM
It appears to be nothing more than a Mini Clubman with AWD (not a bad thing). Same rear doors, same little suicide door on the side. Do you think this is only a mule and that they might actually add real second row doors? Either way, it expands Mini choices. I am considering a loaded SX4, but may hold off if this Mini "stripped" doesn't go north of $30K.
geo.stewart @ Apr 2nd 2008 10:06AM
just get an impreza since it seems you want a small AWD vehicle and have at least into the mid-20s to spend. the SX4 is for those who cant get into a Subaru and the Mini is for those who want a fashion statement like Paris Hilton's dog.
Gregg @ Apr 2nd 2008 10:17AM
geo.stewart, thanks for the suggestion, but an Impreza is not on my list, due to its styling, mpg being lower than either SX4 and Mini, and it is significantly longer than either of the other two.
geo.stewart @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:20AM
well, I'll retract my fashion statement until actual production comes out. Its not really fair
having drive the SX4, it seemed underpowered and very 'base' even in other trims. the impreza only weighs a little more and length is unfortunately in overhangs but surprisingly has a tighter turn radius. It loses little in gas mileage and I've heard the Suzukis are notorious for getting worse gas mileage than competitors but may not be true case here.
I expect a longer heavier clubman with an AWD pkg will drive down the mileage on the Mini and it will be more in
Gregg @ Apr 2nd 2008 12:26PM
Geo, I found the SX4 Touring 2 with 5 speed stick had adequate oomph (the sluch box is more pokey), and it gets better mileage than the automatic as well (even though the EPA says no). The touring model comes with niceties like climate control, trip computer, MP3 hookup, and stability control, in addition to the traction control, AWD and locking differential. Thus it is equipped well enough for me. The Mini has the advantage of holding its resale value better than almost anything else out there. I expect the AWD version to get less mpg than the FWD, but it is still likely to be better than the Subie's 17/23 to 20/27, depending on engine.
freediverdude @ Apr 2nd 2008 10:29AM
I think I saw one of these in Clearwater FL last night. Unless there is another mini that has double doors on the back like that, but it sure looked like this one. It was odd looking.
Marko @ Apr 2nd 2008 10:24AM
You could have just seen the new Mini Clubman, it has the same door arrangement albeit no all wheel drive.
Jeff McMahon @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:01AM
I think I saw a Clubman in Torrance on Prairie Blvd yesterday. The back door had become unhinged and the driver (there were 2 people in the car) didn't seem to know that the right door had swung open and then finally they pulled over on the side of the road.
toronado455 @ Apr 2nd 2008 10:25PM
Anyone want to guess that was probably a test drive? The passenger being the stupid salesman who didn't know how to properly close the rear doors?
SPG @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:16AM
From the Autoweek article:
"Mini wants to take its customers into off-road territory with the upcoming Crossman".
If this tester mule is any indication of the upcoming Crossman then offroad must mean a snowy driveway.
Flea @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:54AM
BMW need to make SUVs out of ANYTHING, don't they?
Someday their wikipedia entry will be changed to "one of the largest german truck manufacturers".
And of course, if and when they make the Isetta, theyll need to have a SUV of that too.
Because there will always be lots of people who want to sit in the triendiest cars, but at the same time feel scared and inadequate if they aren't sitting above the roofline of most other cars.
Eek @ Apr 2nd 2008 12:07PM
So is the only difference between this and a Clubman the AWD?
SeattleJeremy @ Apr 2nd 2008 1:05PM
It's a little taller off the ground too.
D. See @ Apr 2nd 2008 1:14PM
Why can't Mini stick to it's name: Mini
I'm sick of every manufacturer trying to be everything to everyone. Why can't Mini stick to what it does best, and manufacture a small, fun to drive, safe, and attractive MINI vehicle? Instead, they will crank out an ugly CUV/SUV that leaves their roots in the dust, and gives us another hideous truck offering.
How about spending those development Euros on cleaning up their Mini D diesel's emissions and sending some here to the states? It would certainly cost them less, and guarantee continued sales for the Mini line.
IMHO, there are already TOO many SUV/CUV/trucks/whateverthehellyouwannacallthem out there already. ENOUGH!
Gregg @ Apr 2nd 2008 1:41PM
You may be a bit harsh here on MINI. The Crossman will not be a truck. It is more likely a Clubman with AWD. As such it will still be one of the smallest rides you can buy in the USA. At 156", it is still about a foot shorter than a VW Rabbit, and half a foot shorter than the little SX4.
TimJ @ Apr 2nd 2008 3:10PM
I agree with Gregg - AWD is just a way to get more power into a front wheel drive platform that suffers at high HP from one of the auto jounalist's favorite pet peeves: torque steer. (see also Saab-Haldex XWD)