[SCOTT26]

Here is the first pictures of the 6dr MINI Spacebox.

How is this significant?

Well this is the MINI equivalent of the forthcoming BMW 2er Active Tourer and as you can see there is significant differences between each model , especially in design , segment and concept.

Further proof of how BMW and MINI will be able to co-exist in the same segment.

[bimmerjph]

The MINI looks so much better than the "Active Tourer".

[ska///235i]

So are you saying customers want a bigger mini so they made a minivan??? Whatever

[Chihuahua]

at what point do we think about renaming the brand "MAXI"??

There is nothing 'MINI' about that thing. It's the size of a first-gen Explorer.

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by Kyle B

at what point do we think about renaming the brand "MAXI"??

There is nothing 'MINI' about that thing. It's the size of a first-gen Explorer.

MINI is adapting to the demands of MINI customers that want a MINI but need extra flexibility. Crossovers are a booming market and continue to do so.
Crossovers are decimating traditional segments. This MINI is slightly larger than a countryman. Globally MINI countryman is the best selling MINI but Countryman customers want more flexibility.

[CirrusSR22]

Originally Posted by Kyle B

at what point do we think about renaming the brand "MAXI"??

There is nothing 'MINI' about that thing. It's the size of a first-gen Explorer.

You can still buy the "original" hatchback if you want small. This doesn't replace it. I have an R50 MINI and I sure as he'll wouldn't want anything smaller.

[Chihuahua]

I had an R50. Great car, still miss it today. The car in this post is completely ridiculous IMO. Norbert Reithofer has lost his mind.

[Efthreeoh]

How great the Independence! Yay!

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Kyle B

at what point do we think about renaming the brand "MAXI"??

There is nothing 'MINI' about that thing. It's the size of a first-gen Explorer.

I love the commercial from a few months back selling the Mini Countryman:

"The LARGEST Mini built to date." Huh?

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by Kyle B

I had an R50. Great car, still miss it today. The car in this post is completely ridiculous IMO. Norbert Reithofer has lost his mind.

I have come to the conclusion that Reithofer doesn't even like cars at all. Or more specifically, driving them.

[Soorena]

There is nothing mini in that pic.

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

I have come to the conclusion that Reithofer doesn't even like cars at all. Or more specifically, driving them.

Can't you American guys sue him? What he is doing with BMW is a crime!

[turbolag]

MINIvan?

[Matski]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Here is the first pictures of the 6dr MINI Spacebox.

How is this significant?

Well this is the MINI equivalent of the forthcoming BMW 2er Active Tourer and as you can see there is significant differences between each model , especially in design , segment and concept.

Further proof of how BMW and MINI will be able to co-exist in the same segment.

SCOTT,

Can you elaborate on why BMW is deciding to use the 2 series designation for the BMW version of 5 (6?) door hatchback?

I've no problem with the separation of the 3 and 4 series, or the 1 and 2 so far.... but you release a sporty 2 door coupe with the 2 series name... and then a compact family-MPV-wagon witht eh 2-er badge also?

I'll defend most of BMW's decisions till my fingers wear out, but even I can't see the logic in this.

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

MINI is adapting to the demands of MINI customers that want a MINI but need extra flexibility. Crossovers are a booming market and continue to do so.
Crossovers are decimating traditional segments. This MINI is slightly larger than a countryman. Globally MINI countryman is the best selling MINI but Countryman customers want more flexibility.

Not true, many Countrymen owners want a better car, one that isn't trying to be two things, I believe BMW couldn't decide if they wanted the Countryman to fight the Golf or the Tigan, so they fucked up and built something inbetween. I own a Countryman, it's an ok car but it is in no way as good a MINI as the Clubman I owned before.

I like the car in this photo, the Clubman will be so much better with 4 proper passanger doors. In all likelyhood I will trade my Countryman in for it when it arrives.

IMO MINI should use this to replace the Countryman along with the 5 door MINI, this is a great alternative to Golf, Focus etc....the next generation Countryman should then become a proper small SUV.

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Here is the first pictures of the 6dr MINI Spacebox.

How is this significant?

So what actually is it, here you're calling it the Spacebox, on german car forum you're calling it the new Clubman!

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by MikeyV

So what actually is it, here you're calling it the Spacebox, on german car forum you're calling it the new Clubman!

It is actually the Clubman XL , "Spacebox" is the conceptual name given to the MINI MPV which may or not be called MINI Traveller?
The Spacebox is actually similar to this vehicle but has a taller roofline.
The prototypes for 3 MINI vehicles are beginning public testing.

This is what Spacebox nee Traveller looks like.

[MikeyV]

Thanks for clearing that up, it'll be the Clubman for me then, the very idea of a MINI MPV just doesn't sound right to me.