MINI Countryman; Paceman in 2012, WRC Edition

[Tornado]

Also, diesel is currently much more expensive than regular or premium. I wouldn't want a diesel Mini anyways. Seems like it would be missing the point.

 

[Joey D]

Not really, it would be an efficient car that got really good mileage while being fun. This may sound like a profound statement but people need to realise that the new MINI is not the old Mini.

 

[YSSMAN]

The issue at hand would be more or less of first, how much they charge for the diesel option, and second, if diesel prices ever level-off in the US. Honda is taking a big risk by introducing the diesel Accord later this year, as for the most part, diesel sales have pretty much been left to Volkswagen and Mercedes over the years.

I'm not against the idea, but I'm one of the people who firmly believe in doing fuel-efficent gasoline turbo I4s first.

 

[Tornado]

Not really, it would be an efficient car that got really good mileage while being fun.

Less that. Big, heavy, unrevvy engine in the very front of a light, short wheelbase car. If the Mini's gas mileage already isn't good enough for you in base Cooper form, you would probably be more apt to ride a bicycle.
A diesel engine is essentially anti-Mini by definition.

 

[Joey D]

I haven't heard any complaints from owners on NAM about them having less fun in a Cooper D and many of them switched from Coopers or Cooper S's.

 

[killer450235]

I like it....

 

[homeforsummer]

A diesel engine is essentially anti-Mini by definition.

Seems to have gone down in MINI-proud Britain okay. We love the original, but the roads today are a very different place to how they used to be. A diesel MINI makes a lot of sense to a lot of people, especially at UK petrol prices. Even with diesel being 10p a litre more expensive the diesel MINI can do 15-20mpg more and over the course of an average year's driving you still save a fair bit.

Not only that, but modern diesel characteristics are very favourable in small cars (well, in anything but sports cars really). Bucketfuls of torque low down, which is fantastic for town driving and motorways, and most of the time more quiet than petrols now too. In the UK, in awful traffic and awful weather, a diesel is a bit more relaxing to drive.

Of course, I can't speak for the States, but when even people from the birthplace of the MINI can warm to it then there's hope for the US too.

 

[Joey D]

The US seems to love the MINI as well judging by the way they are selling. MINI is one of the few companies the actually are increasing in sales while others are decreasing. I know the biggest selling point is that they make awesome commuter car with their great mileage, although what I can't understand is how so many people are getting over the overpriced factor.

Anyways you can check out AutoBlog's By the Numbers for more sales details on the MINI.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/by-the-numbers-august-2008-new-digs-edition/

 

[homeforsummer]

although what I can't understand is how so many people are getting over the overpriced factor.

It's called desirability, and it makes people do funny things like ignore their pockets being emptied.

As for the SAV, it's actually growing on me. I bought an Autocar today which had some pretty good pictures in. I can definitely see potential. One of the few 4x4s I'd consider buying. Though I do hope it's a bit more rugged than bling.

 

[YSSMAN]

Overpriced is an understatement. The few Coopers we're getting at our new dealer this year are gone, gone, gone... And probably with an extra $2-4K (minimum) added on top. Seriously, those guys tried to screw me before I even got in, and so far, I haven't gone back. Now I remember why Grandpa decided not to buy a BMW from Sharpe...

 

[Joey D]

Spy Shots!

Spy Shots: Production MINI Crossover spotted!

Beneath all that ridiculous (though pretty darn effective) yellow and black paisley camouflage sits the new MINI Crossover. First shown in concept form at the Paris Motor Show, at 162-inches long, the new MINI CUV is quite a bit larger than its other older stablemates. At what point is a MINI not so mini any more? This could be it, as the spy photographers point out that it appears larger than the BMW 1-Series that shares a number of parts with. Lost in the translation from show car to test mule are the unique doors, which appear to have been replaced with a standard, run-of-the-mill four door body style. The rear hatch also opens from the top instead of sideways like on the concept, though it's been taped-up to appear like the barn-door style portals from the Clubman. The whole shebang's been lifted a bit and all four wheels are driven. Expect both gasoline and diesel four-bangers under the pointy-snouted hood.

===

What gets me is people are calling this thing huge, it's only 162" long, that's still pretty small. The Honda Fit is 161.6" long and I would hardly call that huge. I think people need to understand that BMW isn't going to build the Classic Cooper any more, between safety regulation and people's buying preferences a smaller Cooper isn't possible or even sale worthy. The SUV will sell quite well, especially in America. I think BMW could market anything and people would buy it though.

 

[homeforsummer]

It's certainly going to be smaller than the X1, which apparently is only a little smaller than the X3.

Even with all that camouflage, the proportions look okay, and I'm sure in a proper MINI colour scheme it'll look quite good. Still, I'd have mine with proper off-road tyres, a bit more ground clearance, and maybe a spare tyre mounted on one of the back doors!

The upright grille is refreshing, given that many other 4x4s now are going for the swoopy and sleek look.

 

[Sniffs]

it looks more like a mini had a fling with the Toyota RSC concept.

 

[Jim Prower]

SUV? Meh, more like a Gravel-ready MINI. wonder if guys'll convert these into rally cars.

 

[Joey D]

Well technically they are touting it as a cross over rather then an SUV. I don't know I wouldn't mind one, especially with a diesel. Would be good for trips to the lake (I'm sure you can tow a small trailer) or ski lodge.

 

[forza2.0]

I think BMW are taking the mini brand in the wrong direction with this vehicle. I mean a mini that makes the not so small 1 series look like a dwarf? Why would people want to buy this? I would much rather see a mini coupe or something like that.

 

[Joey D]

How do you figure the MINI makes the 1-series look small? The Cooper is 145" long and the new crossover is only 161" long, the 1-series is 171.1" long. BMW is not taking the brand in the wrong direction, mainly because they are selling MINI's quite well worldwide. I fail to see how a car that is selling well and making a profit is going in the wrong direction.

 

[homeforsummer]

Plus, the 1-series isn't actually that big. Even the 3 series looks small when you put it next to something like a Mondeo.

People assume the current MINIs are all massive but forget that they're comparing them to the original. Parked next to any other supermini they look no bigger, and even smaller in some cases.

The main thing is that the MINI crossover thing should be a fair bit smaller than BMW's "small" X1.

 

[Joey D]

Yup, and still the only car you can currently buy in the states smaller then a MINI is a Smart car, which is about half the MINI's size.

 

[forza2.0]

How do you figure the MINI makes the 1-series look small? The Cooper is 145" long and the new crossover is only 161" long, the 1-series is 171.1" long. BMW is not taking the brand in the wrong direction, mainly because they are selling MINI's quite well worldwide. I fail to see how a car that is selling well and making a profit is going in the wrong direction.

I mean this new mini suv makes the 1 series look small. And I think they are taking the brand in the wrong direction with this new mini suv. It just looks big, and not very "mini".

Yup, and still the only car you can currently buy in the states smaller then a MINI is a Smart car, which is about half the MINI's size.

honda fit?

This doesnt look cute, it looks sorta bus like, or truck like.

 

[Joey D]

I mean this new mini suv makes the 1 series look small. And I think they are taking the brand in the wrong direction with this new mini suv. It just looks big, and not very "mini".

No it won't make the 1 series look small because the MINI crossover is smaller by 10". Last time I checked 171" is bigger then 161". Yes it's taller, all MINI's are tall vehicles. But you can't really make a good judgement based on that picture based on the perspective, just stick with the facts.

How can you say it looks big? Have you seen one in person yet? A couple of spy shots are hardly convincing. As I've said it's the same size as a Honda Fit, which isn't a big car at all. We don't know the height of the new crossover so I can't compare that, I'm only going by what information we do have.

I'm getting tired of people saying BMW is ruining the MINI brand. There is no way they could make the classic Cooper today and sell it world wide. There are to many safety regulations and the preferences of the buying public have changed. People want nice seats, air con, sat nav, a 10 speaker stereo, etc.

honda fit?

No. The Fit is 161.6" if you read my previous posts and the Cooper is 145". Even the Clubman is smaller.

This doesnt look cute, it looks sorta bus like, or truck like.

It's also behind a bunch of camouflage. We don't know what the production version will look like.

 

[buickgnx88]

What would be the right direction for MINI, forza?

 

[Joey D]

What would be the right direction for MINI, forza?

I know this wasn't directed at me but I've had a couple ideas how I would like the MINI brand to go.

The bigger vehicles are great for attracting more and more people, I hear people all the time tell me that they would love a Cooper but it's to small for them. This is where the Clubman fits in. Then there are people who still want the feel of an SUV without having to pay $90 to fill it up. The crossover will fit that niche just fine, especially in America where we still love our SUV's and Crossovers despite having fuel prices go to the moon.

I do think MINI should build a stripped down track day special though to keep the racing enthusiast happy, sort of what they did with the MINI GP on the previous generation's chassis.

 

[forza2.0]

What would be the right direction for MINI, forza?

I would rather see a golf sized mini, and not that clubman thing. And a mini coupe could be fun an quirky.

This mini suv, even though its shorter than the 1 series looks big in those pictures.

Anyway why would any one want to buy a mini suv, might aswell get a baby VW suv or something along those lines.

 

[Joey D]

I would rather see a golf sized mini, and not that clubman thing. And a mini coupe could be fun an quirky.

A Golf sized MINI? So you want them to increase the size of the vehicle by 20" over the regular Cooper and 10" over the Clubman?

Anyway why would any one want to buy a mini suv, might aswell get a baby VW suv or something along those lines.

Because believe it or not, not everyone wants a VW, especially the Tiguan which is much bigger at a 174". Plus people see BMW and want it just by the nature of the badge. BMW could stick a badge on anything and sell it.

 

[Jim Prower]

I don't really want to call this car a "Crossover," anyway...it's more along the line of a raised rally-inspired hatchback, similar to the Suzuki SX4.

 

[YSSMAN]

Would be good for trips to the lake (I'm sure you can tow a small trailer) or ski lodge.

Its the perfect car for Michigan, I'd say. Slightly higher stance, AWD, still rather fuel-friendly and presumably fairly fun to drive. Still, I am under the assumption that the VW Tiguan would be the main competition... And although sales have been slow for the VW, its still a damn-good crossover. We'll see what happens!

 

[homeforsummer]

I would rather see a golf sized mini, and not that clubman thing. And a mini coupe could be fun an quirky.

A Golf-sized MINI would be too big. Probably longer, though obviously not taller than this crossover.

Anyway why would any one want to buy a mini suv, might aswell get a baby VW suv or something along those lines.

I'd actually consider buying a MINI SUV if I was in the financial position. I can see it being a good laugh for jaunts with mates, still fuel efficient (and I don't do massive mileage anyway which is more economical than buying a fuel efficient car and driving it tens of thousands of miles each year), comfortable for distances, still pretty fun, not too big, and it's a brand I like and have experience with.

 

[Joey D]

More spy shots.

Spy Shots: MINI SUV/Crossover caught messing with perception
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.

For some reason Autoblog won't let me link the pictures properly so here is the link to the gallery.
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-mini-suv/

It looks tall.

 

[Philly]

It is an SUV on a quite short wheelbase...