What's next for Mini? Could it be getting even bigger? Well, maybe not bigger, but roomier. That's the idea behind the rumored space concept that could arrive in the next few years. Now that the Mini Countryman has paved the way for larger, more utilitarian versions of the standard coupe, the company is considering something along the lines of a mini-minivan. Don't worry: there will be no sliding doors or swiveling seats. Instead, the space concept would most likely ride on the same chassis as the Countryman, but punch out all the interior dimensions to their limits. The result would be a vanlike silhouette and extra space for passengers and cargo. An executive at Mini recently revealed that the Countryman chassis has the flexibility to add a few inches of wheelbase, so the space concept could benefit from a slightly larger footprint. A third row isn't likely, but extra cargo room and adjustable rear seats could be one way to make the space concept a little more useful than the Countryman. Don't expect to see the bigger, boxier Mini any time soon. The company is currently working on the rollout of the Countryman, which begins U.S. sales early next year. That will be followed by the two-seat Mini Coupe in mid-2011 and the Roadster in early 2012. With that kind of cadence, the Mini space concept probably won't arrive until the spring of 2013 at the earliest. That should be plenty of time to let the Mini purists get used to the idea of the Mini minivan. From Inside Line: News, Road Tests, Auto Shows, Car Photos and Videos
Eww, not liking that. Then again, I didn't like the Countryman when I saw it last month. It's like a VW Golf, and a uglier in the metal than in photos.
I for one do not have a problem with all these MINI variations...... The original classic came in a load of oddball combinations, so did the Fiat 500 and 600s, and they all had a place in the overall scheme of things. Wouldn't you rather see people driving one of these than a Ford Exploder or a Suburban? I'm waiting for a properly designed and sorted MINI pickup truck!
Well, I completely agree that the design language they're using on the front end is not pretty and they could definitely do better. But the concept itself I'm OK with.....
Oh geeze, I just noticed I left out the fact that this is a rendering by a 3rd party. Not at all a leak or dumpster dive. The site with the rendering is also know for coming up with their own ideas based on what-ifs.
I think a MINIvan would be bitchin'! In fact, I love that idea. I don't see it ever happening in today's van-fearing society.
I am going to go against the grain here... I actually think its cool...it would compete with the Mazda5...but with more Zoom We all know a spacebox is coming...I can only imagine the backlash of the purists once more info is available... This picture will only serve to stir up a Shite-load of: "THE BRAND IS DILUTED", "I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MINI", "MY R50/53 is the only MINI ever!!!"...blah blah blah... This concept is SIDEWAYS APPROVED
I notice that the picture indicates it is an "S". I can just see mom taking the kids to school while they are yelling, "hit the turbo mommy, I want to hear the turbo". Jim
New Rendering... Reminds of part of To the Pain from Princess Bride ... "Dear God! What is that thing" Mini plant Minivan für 2013: Van mit Frontantrieb und fünf Sitzen - auto motor und sport
Actually, believe it or not, I'd rather have seen this vehicle than a junior varsity off-roader (despite the introduction of AWD to the MINI line). A simple FWD people mover that is fuel efficient is not sexy, but it gets the job done. And yes, it's ugly, but not as ugly as that gobsmacked Countryman.
Does look pretty bad.... I can kinda see the point of a MINI SUV...but a MINI-VAN?! It does sound kinda funny, but if BMW is trying to make MINI a full line of cars...I think they just might destroy what makes MINI a MINI, and not a Ford. ut: They were pushing with the countryman, and I think most folks are saying, OK it is not a true MINI, but it does have some MINI spirit...But a MINI-VAN? Even if it drives like crazy, and handles great...is...er...still a van...:frown2: Leave the little vans to KIA, Nissan, and Scion. It is EASY to see they have a desire to keep the brand young....and attract younger buyers, BUT if they water down the brands image, and make it TOO MAIN-STREAM, what is left?! Just another car name badge..... :nonod: I guess there might some merit to it....but I still don't like it...you can only do so much with the MINI nameplate before it is no special!! This may be it.
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