Mini's New SUV Concept

Update 1/21/10: If you are looking for photos and info on the upcoming Mini Cooper Countryman crossover you can find it here. This post is about the original concept that became the Countryman.

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. 

Mini Drawing New Interest Because of Fuel Prices

Maybe it was the recent introduction of the Clubman, but Mini is saying, nope, it’s high fuel prices that have driven traffic to its website to increase nearly 90%. Last month, more than 900,000 people went to miniusa.com to check out the Cooper lineup. Searches for new Mini Coopers were also up on Cars.com, nearly 40% in May compared to April 2008.

The base Mini Cooper coupe and the new Clubman both get their best mileage when equipped with a manual transmission, checking in at 28/37 mpg city/highway. That’s better than a standard Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla. The automatic-equipped Coopers register mileage of 26/34 mpg city/highway, just behind the Civic and Corolla autos.

Still, for car shoppers looking to move down to something more fuel-efficient who are able to spend a few extra grand on a stylish coupe versus a traditional economy car, the Cooper makes a lot of sense. Sales were up 52.8% for Mini in May, but most of that increase was attributed to the new Clubman model being added to the lineup. Sales of regular Cooper coupes were up 29%, however, and that model was redesigned last year.

Suburban Dad: Which is the Best Cooper?

As regular readers know, I’ve got a thing for the Mini Cooper. I recently got a chance to compare the regular Cooper to the Cooper Clubman and Cooper Clubman S. Which one’s my favorite? Watch and see.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S

Both the base Mini Cooper Clubman and the sportier Clubman S recently spent time in the Cars.com test fleet. Winning the race to the full review treatment was the Clubman S. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder spells out the differences between the elongated Cooper and the original Mini, including where its better and where it falls short. He also reiterated all the Cooper line’s faults, which also follow the Clubman S to production. Check out the review and video below.

2008 Mini Cooper Clubman Expert Review

Mini John Cooper Works Pricing

We got to see the new John Cooper Works versions of the hardtop Cooper and Clubman in New York City last week, and they looked pretty snazzy in their red, white and black duds. This year marks the first time the performance-oriented trim level will be created at the factory instead of at the dealer level, which should make enthusiasts happy when they go on sale this summer.

The changes are much more than cosmetic. Turbocharged engines from the S trim levels get more power, up 36 hp from 172 to 208 hp. That shaves about a half a second off the cars’ 0-60 mph times. There will also be new high-performance brakes, sports suspension, exhaust system, modified six-speed transmission and unique 17-inch light alloy wheels and tires. 

The price bump isn’t a small one, though: $28,550 and $30,800 will get you into the JCW Cooper hardtop and Clubman, respectively. Prices do not include a $650 destination charge. That’s a $7,330 and $7,350 premium over the S versions of each car. Is it worth it? Tell us in the comments.

Mini Cooper Wienermobile Cheesy

Last week, ABC featured a new Oscar Mayer Wienermobile based on a Mini Cooper S. The aptly named Mini Wienermobile swallowed NY Giant defensive end Michael Strahan for photo ops, sporting a license plate that read “LTL LINK.” The Mini is a full 12 feet shorter than the full-size Wienermobile.

Since we’re so used to seeing the full-scale version, this downsized version is rather irksome to look at. But in this world of high gas prices, we guess it’s acceptable.

Seeing a Man About a Dog (NY Time Wheels Blog)

Cars.com Faceoff: 2008 Mini Cooper S, Saturn Astra, Volvo C30

In one of the toughest Faceoffs in recent memory, Mike Hanley, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder matched up three premium hatchbacks. It was a tough fight, with each car having strengths that won us over. The Volvo had the style, the Mini the go-kart goods and the Astra the practicality. Check out the winner and let us know if you think we got it right.

Cars.comparison: Premium Hatchbacks

Mini Clubman Could Be Scarce in U.S.

Blogging all things Mini, Motoringfile.com reports that BMW is limiting exports of its new Mini Cooper Clubman to the U.S. While demand will probably be healthy, the U.S. dollar is not, and the company won’t make as much selling the car here as it will in other countries. Italy seems to be the benefactor in all this.

What does this mean to those waiting to buy a Mini Clubman? Go to your Mini dealer now and put in an order. Many dealers are getting a scant four models a month for the first few months after the car comes out in February. Even the regular Mini Cooper coupe has one of the shortest turnaround times in the business. It seems the Clubman will be no different.

Clubman to Have Limited Availability in US (Motoringfile.com)

Mini, BMW, Infiniti Top Best Resale Value List

Our list of the cars, trucks and SUVs with the best resale value has just been updated, and a lot of familiar names top the list. When we break down resale values by segment, the Mini Cooper, Honda Accord, Infiniti G35/G37, BMW 5 Series and GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado top their respective segments.

When you take a look at the top 10 resale values overall, it’s the Infiniti G35/G37, Jeep Wrangler and BMW 3 Series taking the top three spots, knocking the Mini Cooper off its previous No. 1 perch.

Which cars rank lowest? The Mazda B2300, Ford Ranger and Suzuki Forenza top that dubious list.

Check out the full rankings below. 

Best Car Resale Values by Class
Best Overall Car Resale Values
Worst Overall Car Resale Values

2008 Mini Cooper Convertible Remains Unchanged

While the Mini Cooper coupe got a redesign for 2007 — and remains the same for 2008 – the convertible hasn’t gotten such treatment. That means the 2008s don’t get the new body, turbo engine and other tweaks; they’re similar to the models that debuted in 2002.

The convertible prices remain unchanged for 2008, starting at $21,950 for the Cooper and $25,400 for the Cooper S, not including a $650 destination charge.  A John Cooper Motor Works kit is a factory option for the 2008 Cooper S at $6,000, and the Sidewalk edition returns on both the Cooper and the Cooper S for $4,000. 

Prices for the 2008 Mini Cooper and Cooper S coupes also remain unchanged at $18,050 and $21,200, respectively. The 2008 convertibles are now on sale, the coupes go on sale in December and the all-new 2008 Clubman goes on sale in February 2008.

Related
More Mini News (KickingTires)
Research a Mini Cooper (Cars.com)