Mini F56 (2013): BMW's plan to replace whole Mini range

[Nathan]

Car Magazine has a detailed article on the upcoming refresh of the entire MINI line.

Full Article

Some of the highlights...

According to CAR's reliable sources, we expect the following highlights from the small car brand:

• A five-door hatchback F54, due in summer 2014, challenging the new A-class and A1 Sportback
• A four-door Clubman F54, due in summer 2015, takes on Mercedes CLC Shooting Brake and Audi A3 Sportback, gaining a fourth door, 10 inches in length and therefore more boot space.
• A five-door Sportvan F58, due in spring 2016, sporting a lower roof, longer-wheelbase designed in essence as a people carrier
• A four-door saloon F59, due in autumn 2016, all-new notchback zooms in on A3 Sportback

I find the F58 and F59 interesting. These 2 variants really move away from the current MINI core. I don't think there was ever a 4 door in the classic lineup. At least not directly from Mini but possibly from one of the various variants available back in the day such as Riley.

The F58 never had a direct descendant in the line I think. It was not till 86 when Chrysler introduced the Minivan that as a market that segment really took off. There were earlier versions, The VW van comes to mind, but Chrysler really put the segment on the map. MINI just cashing in on the concept?

Only time will tell how these new MINIs are received by the market. I have high hopes, but then again, I am biased.

I also plan on keeping my R53 till it melts back into the earth.

[Motoring Magic]

Originally Posted by Nathan

Car Magazine has a detailed article on the upcoming refresh of the entire MINI line.

Full Article

I also plan on keeping my R53 till it melts back into the earth.

ME TOO! Never letting go of my R53---- I figured over time this would happen and this plan bears that out-BMW is becoming the chevy of european brands-we need a car for every niche, and we don't care if they are bland or not.......

[Mr. Jim]

Originally Posted by Nathan

I also plan on keeping my R53 till it melts back into the earth.

+1 on that!

[ScottinBend]

Originally Posted by Mr. Jim

+1 on that!

+1 +1 +1.........

MINI is no longer going to be MINI..

[Crashton]

Originally Posted by ScottinBend

+1 +1 +1.........

MINI is no longer going to be MINI..

I fear you are correct.

[jbewley]

So, do you think they will still make something that still looks like the current hatch, or will it go away? If it goes away, then I guess, so do I at that point. Of course at 65, how many more cars am I going to need?

Jim

[CHKMINI]

As long as they have the car that I want to drive I could care less what else they build. If I were a Porsche 911 owner I wouldn't get upset over the four door or the SUV either. Just give me what I want!

[Nathan]

Originally Posted by CHKMINI

As long as they have the car that I want to drive I could care less what else they build. If I were a Porsche 911 owner I wouldn't get upset over the four door or the SUV either. Just give me what I want!

Many of the Porsche faithful did get upset with the 4 door and the SUV. However, it is the SUV and 4 door that bring in the majority of the profits that allow Porsche to keep building better 911's.

[GreyLens]

I love my R56 and will keep it till I die. 'Course...I'm old so...

[Metalman]

Hmmmmmm......