Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, MINI
Spy Shots: MINI SUV/Crossover caught messing with perception
by Damon Lavrinc on Oct 29th 2008 at 4:01PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the MINI Crossover
The crew from KGP have finally caught the MINI Crossover/Crossman/Maxi undergoing testing and its acid-inspired duds aren't the only things BMW is employing to confuse our shooters.
The cloaked headlamps hide a new set of eyes inspired by the Crossover concept that bowed in Paris, while the funky side door arrangement has been dropped in favor of a more traditional set of hinged openings. On first glance, the rear appears to mimic the barn door arrangement fitted to the Clubman, but closer inspection reveals that the hatch is only bisected by some well-placed vinyl, giving the illusion of two doors. Looking at the tail lamps and crease ahead of the spoiler, it appears that the MINI CUV will be using a traditional top-hinged hatch – a welcome addition considering the compromised rear view of the Clubman.
Expect naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines pulled from the standard MINI to be offered, along with all-wheel-drive, when the MINI Crossover hits the market late next year.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sid 4:10PM (10/29/2008)
Ah BMW...Genre Benders. And not in a good way...
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Diffrunt 4:23PM (10/29/2008)
GM built this in 05, it,s called HHR
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jte 4:25PM (10/29/2008)
Why Mini why? Just make a 4 door wagon! The world does not need another CUV.
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Torrent 4:55PM (10/29/2008)
it just makes no sense.
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Xcountryflyer 5:07PM (10/29/2008)
Stop the madness.
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pablo 5:21PM (10/29/2008)
Wait, everyone is all over the Suzuki SX4 "crossover" in AB's review, but this would never work? I'm all about my '05 Cooper S, but I think they could make this work. I'm not going to buy one, but MINIs are about fun and motoring and as long as they can make that a priority, it should be cool.
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P.V. 5:22PM (10/29/2008)
PLEASE! NO!
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Coco 5:34PM (10/29/2008)
BMW specializes in cars that are... "an answer to a question nobody asked, needed asking or need further asking" aka this oversized "mini", X6, X1, X2, SAV, PAV, POS etc...
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MONTE 5:42PM (10/29/2008)
Just a general comment for BMW, make the Mini RWD already. I don't mean a transverse AWD, but true, honest-to-God RWD.
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Scot 5:49PM (10/29/2008)
If they did that, I would buy two! JCW version would be amazing...
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BILL 5:53PM (10/29/2008)
This is the dumbest idea I have seen lately, and that is saying something when I consider how many dumb ideas I see every day. Maybe a Mini with more ground clearance makes sense for countries with cow paths for roads or for people living in Michigan, but I cannot see any other reason for making this car.
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Scot 6:03PM (10/29/2008)
Well, its a good idea if this is a MINI with more practicality that can still out slalom a Porsche Boxter...
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Mi key 9:44PM (10/29/2008)
The MINI Crossman will be the most popular model in the MINI lineup. The rear wiper seems a bit small.
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Wizeguy9999 9:11AM (10/30/2008)
It will be a small SUV that will probably get 25 city / 31 hwy mpgs. It will come with the Mini 3 year maintenance (as well as warranty). It will probably have the same resale value that Mini's have been blessed with. So low fuel cost, low maintenance, low insurance cost, high resale. What will people not like about that?
There's a picture of one next to a Clubman and it's not that much larger. People will find it cute for an SUV (big for a mini... but cute for an SUV).
It's going to sell.
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FirstMINI 10:52PM (12/22/2008)
... less than 500 miles on our first MINI - but I was right - this is the car my wife wanted. I drive the family station wagon e.g. "small sensible" (hybryd) SUV. I want this MINI Crossover - and can afford one in 2011 - come on MINI.
One suggestion for the young family or sports persons - keep the rear sliding doors - and put them on both sides - and make them powered doors. (Idea from other maker but extremely well liked by persons with handfuls of babies, groceries or the clubs - especially in the rain. Try them - you'll like them.
I want my station wagon er. MINI Crossover.
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