EnI

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Coming in late 2007 / early 2008 - showcased by MINI Frankfurt, Detroit, Tokyo & Geneva Concepts.

Most probably named Traveller (or Clubman, Two, Four, Tourer, Lifewagon, Funwagon in other scenarios) - if BMW manage to buy name rights in the mean time.

It will be a typical MINI: cool, funky, unusual. But this time with more space & versatility. For cool people who need more space.

Most interesting features:
- split cargo door
- suicide rear door ala Mazda RX-8

Imhotep Evil

But, weren't these features too expensive to put into production ?!

EnI

Split cargo door is not a costly solution. It's very common on cargo vans - even the small ones like VW Caddy, Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo etc. It's more - or - less cargo van solution so not used on passanger cars (also due worse reverse visisbilty). But MINI wants to be different.

Suicide doors have safety issues - and has to be approved by traffic agencies. And that takes some time. Also the torsional stiffness is the problem because there is no B-pillar so other parts have to be enforced (adding weight!). So the development costs are usually higher.

But BMW Group share their know-how among the brands: so the know-how from RR was used in MINI & BMW, also using some innovative lightweight & body enforcement solutions. Mind that BMW have developed RR Phantom & Corniche suicide doors, and considered & tested sucide doors for V5, X6 & 4dr 6er. So there is a lot of know-how available. Like in iDrive case. Have I mentioned new MINI is coming with MINiDrive?

Merc1

Funny thing is no amount of tape or bags will hide such a uniquely shaped vehicle making it an easy target for the spy photographers.

M

Giannis

this is a very cool future! It will be optional, right?
but it will make sure that the Mini is a luxury mini car..

EnI

Yes, it will be optional - coming with NAV system only.

siko

MINI Traveller
Finally the MINI Traveller has opened its doors to the public

Exclusive images in this week's magazine show the new Traveller undergoing road testing, revealing the unique doors and quirky layout adopted for the British-built model. While the Traveller concept that has appeared at several motor shows over the past year has featured twin rear doors, the mag's pictures show how the idea will become a production reality.

The rear windscreen splits down the middle, while the num*ber plate drops from between the tail-lamps down into the bumper.

What's more, the hinges are located behind the light clusters - a feature which was showcased on the concept. This means the lamps move with the doors, leaving wide and easy access to the boot. But that's not the end of the MINI's amazing new bodystyle. Take a look at the pictures in this week's mag of the prototype in profile, and you will see a tell-tale strip of tape running from the roof to the sill ahead of the rear wheel.

This is hiding a second door shutline, because the MINI estate will get a pair of Mazda RX-8-style reverse-opening rear doors. These not only give easy access to the back seats, but also add yet another feature to make this model a must-have motor for buyers.

Inside, the dashboard will be identical to the one in the MINI MkII tested by Auto Express in Issue 921. But the key advantage of the long-wheelbase variant is found in the rear.

Increased space in the back seats means the MINI will have room for five adults and their luggage - making it a versatile alternative to models such as the Mercedes B-Class. The engine range is shared with the hatchback, as are the One, Cooper and Cooper S trim levels. A new 1.6-litre powerplant, developed in conjunction with Peugeot, is due to be offered in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged form, while buyers will also be able to specify a brand new diesel motor.

BMW has always planned to make the MINI line-up more than just a one-model range, but the sales success of the three-door means that its expansion plans have been slow-moving. While the second-generation three-door will be unveiled to the public at the Paris Motor Show later this month, the only thing company bosses will confirm about the arrival of the estate is that it will go on sale 'in the next three years'.

What's more, the car's name hasn't been announced, either. However, the load-lugger is expected to be badged Traveller, bringing back memories of the classic Mini Traveller and Country*man models of the Sixties.

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Imhotep Evil

Definately a better alternative to the A ,B klasse and former A2.
But with this fancy suicide and barn doors it will be expensive. A fully equipped version will probably make the Mercs look like poor men's cars.
Holy s*** who would have ever imagined something like this 45 years ago ?!

BMW_Dude

I really like what's shown in that PS!

This is going to be a hit, people who didn't buy the Mini because it was too small will buy this instead!

BTW, on pricing, will this be smilar pricing to the 1er, or less?

Imhotep Evil

Well, fully equiped MCSW are more expensive than, I think 1 series, and basicaly reaches 3er pricing teritory.
Now this estate should be more expensive.
Suicide and barn doors are not cheap.