http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_473/car_photo_236871_7.jpg

Check out the best spy shots of the year so far – the MINI SUV has finally been snapped up close.

Our spies could barely believe their luck when they managed to seek out this prototype testing in Europe. While the bodywork appears to be near-identical to a standard Clubman, there are several visual clues to this being the new rough-road MINI.

The most obvious change is the increase in ride height. This will give the MINI greater ground clearance and extra visual muscle. The large wheels sit wider in the arches than standard rims, while the wheelbase is also a little longer.

Take a look underneath the rear of the car and the purpose of this MINI becomes perfectly clear. A rear differential is visible between the wheels, proving that this model is all-wheel drive. It won’t be a true mud-plugger, but it will aim to steal sales away from Land Rover’s larger Freelander.

Expected to be revealed later this year, the rough-road MINI has been confirmed for production but bosses are yet to confirm a name. Both Crossman and Monte are said to be in the running, with prices likely to start at around £20,000.

Read More + pictures (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/214686/mini.html)

Looks just like the clubman..

Yeah, its almost like the Clubman. I wouldn't really call it an SUV, maybe all-wheel drive vehicle, something like the Audi Allroad.

isn't that an extremely modified Mini? it doesnt look good!

isn't that an extremely modified Mini? it doesnt look good!
What do you mean its modified?! Have you seen the MINI Clubman?!
Check here, http://www.englishsabla.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48290

so this shot IS the clubman

The car we are talking about is the MINI SUV which looks like the MINI Clubman.

looks like the clubman.

I'm a fan of the clubman, and I was sorta looking up to this.

But ... I think it's too low. They should raise it, and give it that .. 4X4 stance.

A mini is supposed to stay mini, I don't know what they're trying to do.

They are ruining the name of Mini. How can there be a Mini SUV !!

They are ruining the name of Mini. How can there be a Mini SUV !!

A mini is supposed to stay mini, I don't know what they're trying to do.

Maybe they want to make a mini SUV. THE mini SUV, because there is no SUV as small as this one
You know what I mean? :think:

there is Terios and Suzuki new one, and Nissan also got one after Murano, if we talking about this size!

I still think Clubman and this are the exact samething, put both pix together and check lol, only difference is in colour.

This is just a rendering to imagine how it might look like. It looks interesting!


http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/7848/images/300x200/1Mini%20Crossman%202010.jpg (http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/7848/images/1Mini%20Crossman%202010.jpg)
Click to enlarge

A mini is supposed to stay mini, I don't know what they're trying to do.

exactly my thought...

i think it might sell, but what's the point, pulling some X3 or X6 customers to buy this??

Looks better than the Clubman in the pic NF posted.

I think they're abusing MINI's name. It's supposed to be small all the time lol.

Well, it's a Mini SUV. The Minniest SUV :p

This is just a rendering to imagine how it might look like. It looks interesting!


http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/7848/images/300x200/1Mini%20Crossman%202010.jpg (http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/7848/images/1Mini%20Crossman%202010.jpg)
Click to enlarge

hmmmmmmm here it makes more sense, cuz at least has 4 doors...

still im not digging a mini SUV, we'll see..