MINI’s upcoming crossover model is shaping up to be an extremely important product launch of for the iconic British brand – as it will expose the MINI nameplate to w whole new crop of buyers – but that launch could be delayed as parent BMW works out the manufacturing process.
The MINI crossover was originally slated to make its debut at January’s Detroit Auto Show, but MINI enthusiast site Motoring File says that unveiling has been pushed back to March’s Geneva Motor Show. The delay is due to a production shift within BMW.
The MINI CUV will be produced at Magna Steyr’s Austria plant, but that factory currently produces the BMW X3. In order to make room for the new MINI model the X3 will be shifting production to BMW’s North Carolina production plant but, as the X3 is one of BMW’s most profitable models, the German automaker is taking its time with the shift to make sure everything is in order. As a result, the production of the MINI CUV will be pushed back a few months, hence the auto show delay.
Name change
Motoring File has also confirmed that the new MINI model will wear the Countryman nameplate. The Countryman moniker has historically been reserved for long-wheelbase MINI models – making it appropriate for MINI’s largest offering. The CUV was originally thought to be named the Crossman.
However, MINI is also planning a sub-brand within the Countryman range. Just as Audi has sub-branded its all-wheel drive system Quattro, MINI will use the term “All4” for its all-wheel drive Countryman models.
10/26, 12:39 PM
posted by:
A4
Shucks… I guess.
10/26, 1:15 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
So it should get here just in time for the end of snow season?
In the name of quality control, its a good thing
10/26, 1:17 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
This should be interesting to see. I’m guessing its main competitor would be the VW Tiguan?
10/26, 1:52 PM
posted by:
2WheeledSpeed
There’s too many Minis coming out nowadays, I’m drawing the line at Mini-Pickup!
10/26, 2:06 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
Yet where’s the obvious MiniVan…………..
10/26, 2:11 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Oh… I thought “All4″ referred to the number of people who actually give a sh*t about this car.
10/26, 2:13 PM
posted by:
Borat
Depends how you define competition or competitor, Mini actually does not have competition in US. Everybody would like to compete in Mini’s market, but no one currently does. If Chrysler lives long enough to sell FIAT 500 or MiTO without quality issues associated with Mexico, they have a shot.
Forbes had an article on how car you drive defines you. Mini is a standout.
10/26, 3:24 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
i like minis, and i was close to buying a used ‘03 until i read about all their early transmission failures and other reliability issues [with the power steering pump, for example, the cooling fan goes kaput, the pump overheats, and if untreated it can burst into flames]…that kinda scared me off a bit…apparently minis from ‘05 on up are a bit better off in the quality department…there’s your semi-related tidbit from lefty for the day…
10/26, 3:38 PM
posted by:
A4
haha what?
10/26, 3:38 PM
posted by:
A4
nevermind got it johhny.