As MINI already produce ‘S’ performance versions of the Cooper and Clubman, it should come as no surprise that MINI is planning the S treatment for its forthcoming Crossman CUV. Our photographers recently caught up with the Crossman S, marking the first time the up-level model has been spotted.
Despite a strong family resemblance, the Crossman will actually ride on a unique platform. The new architecture was needed to accommodate the Crossman’s all-wheel drive system and higher ride height. As noted, the basic chassis and most components will be shared with the BMW X1, though the models won’t have any visual similarity.
Compared to the standard Cooper, the Crossman will ride just over 3 inches higher and will measure in at over four meters (157 inches). A 102.6 inch wheelbase and 72 inch width make the crossover larger than any previous MINI. The S model Crossman, shown here, will be powered by the same 172 horsepower turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder used in the Cooper. Combined with 177 lb-ft of torque, the Crossman S promises to be a very entertaining soft-roader.
Unlike the long-wheelbase Clubman, the Crossman has two doors on each side, rather than one on the right and two on the left. In concept guise, this MINI has a sliding door on the driver’s side, and a regular one on the passenger’s side. We suspect both sides will have regular doors come production, but anything’s possible.
Out back, spy shots reveal the Crossman will use a twin-door setup, similar to the one used on the Clubman.
While the X1 will be built in South Carolina, the Crossman will be assembled by Austria’s Magna Steyr. Both models will be sold in the U.S., but it remains unclear if their diesel versions will make the trek across the Atlantic. However, with stricter CAFE regulations looming, it remains a distinct possibility that the U.S. could see an oil-burning option.
The 2011 MINI Crossman will make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales slated to begin shortly after. Expect the Crossman S to be priced from the low $30,000 range.
07/15, 1:10 PM
posted by:
A4
is “up-level” pun intended?
07/15, 1:12 PM
posted by:
jimbocardude2
see? liftgate! those other prototypes had a strip of black tape down the middle of the rear door
07/15, 1:13 PM
posted by:
A4
and low-30K range sounds just outrageous for this vehicle. The X1 is bound to come with an I-6 engine, have the BMW nameplate, and more luxury than this, and that will likely be priced in the low to mid 30K range alongside the 1-series. I would guess the base Crossman will start at around $22-23k and the S will come in at around $27k
07/15, 1:13 PM
posted by:
jimbocardude2
and is that a clutch pedal i see?
07/15, 1:34 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
what moron would pay this much for such a weird car???? As you might tell, I HATE MINI’s!!!!
07/15, 1:44 PM
posted by:
Borat
Yep it is a clutch and very sweet one in a Mini.
07/15, 1:47 PM
posted by:
Borat
@idrinorbarsaku, but next to a Nano?
07/15, 2:03 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
next to a nano….hhmmmm, I bet someone will mod a hayabusa engine in there! for the price, i would get a nano and use is as a dog house for my golden retriever! Maybe in time, he can learn to drive it….better than those asians/indians!!!
07/15, 2:19 PM
posted by:
brocky
Don’t need to get racial in here idrinorbarsaku.
This car is officially called the “COUNTRYMAN” by the way. So this car we’re seeing right now is the Countryman S. Sounds horrible. But I notice that this car is quite low to the ground and pretty small for a compact SUV. It looks smaller than the BMW X1.
07/15, 2:47 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Looks like the interior is going to be pretty similar to the Rocketeer interior from the concept. I like that.
I like funky and weird cars.
07/15, 3:04 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
what’s so racial about the truth?? It’s pretty much a fact!
07/15, 4:19 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
yup, a liftgate after all…i had convinced myself that it could’ve been a revised split-door design, but it turns out i was just looking at electrical tape ;P
07/15, 6:16 PM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
I almost like where BMW is going with this one. Although, its not very inspiring, but may increase Mini’s revenue significantly. All this for $40k for the base model.
07/15, 6:42 PM
posted by:
A4
its true, asians cant drive, i almost got hit by another an hour ago. Its practically a daily occurance.
07/15, 6:57 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’ll tell you exactly where this is going to sell and that would be in cities like Vancouver where we have a winter playground right in our own backyards. All those hip urban city dwellers living in their half million dollar postage stamped sized condos with matching parking space will soon have the perfect appliance to whisk them up to Whistler for a snow filled weekend of yuppie bliss. I already see plenty of the other abortion known as the Clubman around these parts so obviously ugly isn’t an issue for these folks.
07/15, 7:06 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
“obviously ugly isn’t an issue for these folks.”
Um, Johnny, I’ve been up there, and seeing some of the couples, you’re absolutely right.
07/16, 12:43 AM
posted by:
brocky
idrinorbarsaku, don’t need to share your hate of Asians/Indians with the rest of us. You’re just opening up pandora’s box if you know what I mean. We’re talking about MINI’s here and in this case a very awkward looking SUV.