Mini's New SUV Concept

The much-rumored Mini SUV is here. Dubbed the Mini Crossover Concept, this 4x4 vehicle is the biggest Mini yet, measuring more than 4 meters long (that’s more than 156 inches for those of us not on the metric system). That’s just slightly longer than the new Mini Cooper Clubman, but still nearly 20 inches shorter than your standard Honda Civic sedan.

The biggest news — besides it being bigger — is that the Crossover concept will sport four-wheel drive, a first for Mini and arguably a major selling point for Snowbelt car shoppers. While the concept shows off fanciful seating configurations — we expect a standard rear bench instead of single seats — and 3-D touch displays, this is not just a pie-in-the-sky exercise. Mini will build a four- or all-wheel-drive crossover, and the real thing could be on the auto show circuit in 2009.

No powertrains were announced, but because it’s not much bigger than a typical Clubman we’d expect it to carry over the same efficient yet peppy engines from the Cooper lineup. The concept does not, however, sport the Cooper name; it’s just Mini Crossover Concept, which may be an attempt to not completely offend Cooper traditionalists with what could be dubbed an SUV. Many more photos below. 

 

Comments

[JimC]

I'll take one, now! Could you put a hybrid engine in it and get to me by the end of this year?

Where do I sign up. I'd like to buy one online so I can bypass the A-holes at Mini of Dallas. They treated me like dirt when I went in there a few months ago.

JimC

[Cj]

Minvan style sliding door on the driver side? Weird, but other than that it's a nice concept. It's about the size of a 1st gen xB, which isn't too bad either.

[Mart]

Weirdly, this looks like a cuter and miniturized Infiniti FX!

Even more weirdly, i like it!

[Dave T.]

Mart,
The front totally screams FX I agree. I like the sliding rear hatch door more than the driver's side passenger door. Neither will likely make production but you never know.

[R.L.]

It's cute in proportion, but I'm not sure how practical it will be and also, Minis are pricey in general. I would still take the Infiniti EX over this concept; however, it's way too early to determine that. You never know. It might just impress me, not that it isn't impressive in it's current state.

[Mart]

I'm pretty sure an EX is at least 2 or 3 price and size brackets above this. Obviously it'll be more expensive than size competitors like the Sportage, but it should be cheaper than premium rivals like the LR2. I'm guessing it's biggest market rivals will be the Tiguan perhaps? I dunno - there aren't many small, premium SUV rivals out there. Even the smallest are MUCH larger/more expensive than this will be.

[Dave T.]

Well if a base Clubman starts at $19,950 then the SUV would have to be $2K more for the AWD/4wd and let's just throw in another 2K for being an SUV with a moving roof or whatever.
So you're looking at $24-$25K. Or basically CR-V, CX-7 territory not EX35 LR2 territory. Neither the EX35 nor LR2 is selling very well either.

If it gets 37 mpg hwy like the clubman it'll sell like hotcakes just like the Clubman.

[ziggy]

Even if get 30mpg it would still be better than it competitors. I like it. Sure a lot of what we see here will not make it to production. But I like it. It reminds me of a cross between the FX and a Rav4.

[J]

Getrag has already made a prototype AWD Mini in Sweden. Why can't they give it a green light for it to be installed on the cars instead of this joke?

[BHS]

It could do nicely without some of the Flash Gordon detailing, but otherwise this would make a great TOAD. Light, four seats, good mileage, not too expensive, and room for a cooler and some groceries. What a perfect combination to tow behind a motor home.

[BHS]

It could do nicely without some of the Flash Gordon detailing, but otherwise this would make a great TOAD. Light, four seats, good mileage, not too expensive, and room for a cooler and some groceries. What a perfect combination to tow behind a motor home.

[BHS]

It could do nicely without some of the Flash Gordon detailing, but otherwise this would make a great TOAD. Light, four seats, good mileage, not too expensive, and room for a cooler and some groceries. What a perfect combination to tow behind a motor home.

[Bernie]

Below the beltline, looks like a MINI.
Suicide doors on both sides would look better.

Above the beltline, the worst in styling from Toyota.
The swinging rear door is another stupid Toyota design.

Great plan, take styling ideas from the only Japanese car company with dropping sales in the USA,

[steve]

over all it actually looks good. i just dont understand why they have a conventional door on the passenger side, but a slider on the drivers. The car actually reminds me of the (JDM) 1900's Mitsubishi RVR. I also really like how the half the rear door swings to the side of the car, leaving more room to get around it, as we all know they open towards the sidewalk in the U.S. making us walk around them. (which really flusters me with the upcoming Nissan Cube b/c if they don't switch the way the rear door swings, there will be a huge pillar in the corner that should be behind the Driver, not the passenger.)

[Carol]

I love the looks of the new Mini Crossover. Especially the doors, sliding sun roof and the added room. Hope you sit up a little higher like a SUV. Would be perfect if I could afford it and it ran on regular gas. Thanks for thinking of the Mini & SUV lovers. Hope it makes it out real soon. Would love to be on a mailing list for updates on the Crossover.
Toledo Carol

[Ruth]

I love this, but I hope they put slider/suicide doors on either side. It would help to make the small interior space more accessible and make it easier for rear passengers to get out either side.

[Rob Remisiewicz]

Twenty five years ago Chrysler came out with a four cylinder minivan and change automotive history.
Why not a four cylinder mini van again the same size or even a bit smaller this time? And not a 4500 pound gas hog.

[Toddster]

Eww. Thats just fugly.
Do we really NEED another SUV, anyway?
Somebody please stop them!

[Zipy car guy]

I ordered and purchased my 07 MC/S and have never regretted it. I'll order this Mini SUV and can't wait to take delivery of it!

[Andrew]

Horrible ! Mini should stick to what they're good at ... small cars - not obese lookalikes.

This looks like it's gorged on high fat burgers for a year.

Give me the original 1970s Mini any day over this lump of lard.

[Beth]

For those of us who live in the snow and ice, any 4wd version of the Mini would be welcome - even one that might look a little different.

[Beth]

For those of us who live in the snow and ice, any 4wd version of the Mini would be welcome - even one that might look a little different.

[pepe]

you do not have the car i wanted please try to help

[sadi]

like royal, perfect concept :)))

[Dennis Bacsafra]

Make it please! I will buy 3. The color scheme is awesome too.

[Paul K]

I have been looking for a vehicle that could potentially replace both our '04 Mini Cooper S and our '07 Toyota FJ Cruiser in one.

I think I just found it.

[Jennifer Richter]

I will take one when they come out! I need one now!!!

[Tia . Redding, Ca.]

I absolutely LOVE IT! I want one!! I've been waiting for an all wheel drive mini cooper, but this will do just as well. Should seriosely consider an all wheel drive mini coooper. Then rally it, compare it to the Subaru. There awsome cars as well, but spendy.

[DodgeFan]

I hope they change the front. Looks like a person who drank to much coffee and then freaked out. Headlight = crazy eyes and grill = gaping mouth of fear. I see this canablizing the wagons sales. You don't really need to of the same vehicles.

[Graham James Bullock]

Wow what a concept a mini suv I LOVE IT.
Much better looking than the clubman.
Rule Brittania!!!

It's a little puffy, but overall I really like it. It would be much better in the CT snow than my Prius.

[v-n r]

Hibryd????? To drive a SUV at city.... max 50km/h...... crazy!! hydrogen techonolgy inside for me please! CO2 zero! hybrid is a mistake.

www.autohoje.com and compare VW golg VI 2.'TDI against toyota prius.

ass: anti.hybrid

[stan]

this looks like a BIG MINI
just call it big mini

[Steve]

Overall it looks good but the dashboard needs a lot of work. That center dashboard orb looks like an elephant sitting in the middle of the room or a prop from a Buck Rodgers serial.

[Ramee]

I love the idea of a Mini SUV. There are just a couple of things I don't like. The back seats should have something in between them like this. Meaning you can't slide over! LOL and the truck should open normally like the mini (upward). Other than that, i love the car!!

[Ramee]

I love the idea of a Mini SUV. There are just a couple of things I don't like. The back seats shouldn't have something in between them like this. Meaning you can't slide over! LOL and the truck should open normally like the mini (upward). Other than that, i love the car!!

[Dee]

I love it!! I think this is an awesome idea from mini! They make awesome fun cars, and i can just imagine how fun this will be!! I am so excited for this to come out!!!

[jess]

its ugly

[Craig]

I absolutely love the concept, especially if it gets good gas mileage. I'm jealous of my wife's Clubman but we also need a second, slightly larger vehicle like most families. This car fits our needs! I now drive an Infiniti FX35, almost 5 years old, which has been a great car but gets terrible gas mileage and runs on premium. Can't wait for it to come out.