Mini Goes Maxi With More Doors

by Derek Kreindler

Published: June 4th, 2014

Can you say, brand dilution? Then again, it’s better than the Countryman.

#MINI #Mini5-door #MINICOOPER

Derek Kreindler

2 of 42 comments

Darex on Jun 06, 2014

This particular set of photos makes it look awkwardly proportioned, but I saw a much larger version of the gallery which featured a dark blue MINI Cooper D, and in that gallery, they have it side-by-side with the two-door, and they really don't look all that dissimilar, and the more one looks at it, the more "normal" it looks. It's always good to give any two-door a four-door option. Look at the split between two- and four-door Golfs that are sold. I think all these people who consider the MINI sacrosanct are ridiculous. The 2014 Mini is entirely brand-new and has nothing in common with its predecessors, mechanically. All-new engines, all-new platform, all-new interior. Of course, externally it's going to resemble its predecessors. To otherwise would be not a smart move, but it is a dilemma for BMW. Don't forget, the 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop has received nothing but high praise in virtually every single review I've read. Nearly everyone who has driven one has become a fan of the interior and the improved build quality and the way it drives (especially the 3-cylinder), in a very grown-up, BMW like manner.

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ShoogyBee on Jun 09, 2014

Looks like we've come full circle. Who would've guessed that MINI would come out with a version that resembles a white-roofed Ford Flex?

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Statikboy I see only old Preludes in red. And a concept in white.Pretty sure this is going to end up being simply a Civic coupe. Maybe a slightly shorter wheelbase or wider track than the sedan, but mechanically identical to the Civic in Touring and/or Si trims.
SCE to AUX With these items under the pros:[list][*]It's quick, though it seems to take the powertrain a second to get sorted when you go from cruising to tromping on it.[/*][*]The powertrain transitions are mostly smooth, though occasionally harsh.[/*][/list]I'd much rather go electric or pure ICE I hate herky-jerky hybrid drivetrains.The list of cons is pretty damning for a new vehicle. Who is buying these things?
Jrhurren Nissan is in a sad state of affairs. Even the Z mentioned, nice though it is, will get passed over 3 times by better vehicles in the category. And that’s pretty much the story of Nissan right now. Zero of their vehicles are competitive in the segment. The only people I know who drive them are company cars that were “take it or leave it”.
Jrhurren I rented a RAV for a 12 day vacation with lots of driving. I walked away from the experience pretty unimpressed. Count me in with Team Honda. Never had a bad one yet
ToolGuy I don't deserve a vehicle like this.