What happens when MINIs stop being mini and start getting real? Huge sales in America, probably. Luckily the return of the Moke is not as mawkish as we might have feared. And with four actual doors, passengers won’t have to perform fakir-worthy contortions to reach one of the rear seats alá MINI Clubman. Look for the Countryman at your local upscale supermarket parking lot starting in early 2011.
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1978 Ford Mustang Stallion |
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1952 Mercury Custom Sedan |
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1990 Buick Reatta |
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1981 Toyota Corona Wagon |
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1994 Volvo 960 Sedan |
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1991 Dodge Shadow Convertible |
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1987 Volkswagen Fox |
They may do very well with this model. It seems the original has been bought by just about everyone that wanted one and I don’t think the Clubman ever really took off.
May open an entirely new market for Mini as I can’t think of another vehicle in their size segment that comes only as a two door hatchback.
When I was shopping for a Clubman last summer, the wait was about 50% longer than for a regular Cooper. They seem to be doing pretty well.
Ed, I’m 5’11” and have no problem getting in the Clubman back seat via the suicide door. But yeah, I expect they’ll sell a lot of these to people that have been holding out for a true 4-door. Not to mention AWD.
Moke? Because Maxi was already taken?
Just what I was looking for, a Maxi Mini.
Maxi cancels out the Mini and you are left with a 2012 Countryman.
Just like my fellow countryman, obese and kind of stupid.
So how is this going to be better than the EX35?
Glad to see they got rid of the frowny grill that earlier prototypes had. This looks much better, what’s a MINI if not happy?
Eventually the mini will be the size of a Suburban.
Why did they have to screw up the headlights? Minis should have round lights, not oblong fried eggs (last generation Porsche 911’s, anyone?)
Still, compared to the Nissan Puke, this thing looks like a supermodel… bet it sells well.
Cool, I can imagine myself driving one of those!