[khanak]

As our pictures show, the car – to be called Monte – has a raised ride height and wider track. Although the standard front-wheel-drive layout is retained, toughened suspension components mean that light off-roading will be possible.

Also evident is the stretched wheelbase, which ensures greater stability and more room for passengers in the rear. However, they are still likely to access the back seat through the reverse-opening Club*door. Under the bonnet will be a range of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. There is also the possibility of a new 1.4-litre entry-level oil-burner. These powerplants will be mated to either manual or automatic gearboxes, both with six ratios.

Bosses at MINI will be keen to stress this is an environmentally-friendly SUV. As with other vehicles from parent firm BMW, it will benefit from Efficient Dynamics technology. This means a stop-start system to reduce emissions and fuel use, regenerative braking and energy efficient engine components.

Prices for the Monte are expected to be around £2,000 higher than for the equivalent Clubman version, and the first examples should arrive in showrooms here in 2009.

MINI Clubman | Spy Shots | News | Auto Express

[Nitin]

There's speculation that this Mini will do better that the Cooper..with the 'suicide doors' like the RX-8.

[aniguchisan]

It's ridiculous. These cars are bigger than most mini-SUVs now. Watch the next Mini be bigger than a tank.

[highwayblaze]

Btw I also read an article which says this mini will be based on the clubman. Let me re-phrase that. It IS a clubman with wider track toughened suspension raised ride hieght and to top it off 4x4.

I think it'll make a good rally car if its the size of a clubman.

I hate it though.

[speedy]

not for me this one. the RX8 type doors and the height it kills the mini looks. i prefer the original shape and the size, thats what had millions of people head over heels in love with the car. it just does not digest.

[Nitin]

Either ways..it still looks like a frog!

[Mayavi]

Mini cooper is a FWD?

[iraghava]

Originally Posted by Mayavi

Mini cooper is a FWD?

Duh! What have you been smoking these days Mayavi??

[Sam Kapasi]

Originally Posted by speedy

i prefer the original shape and the size, thats what had millions of people head over heels in love with the car.

[Nitin]

Nice pic,Sam!
Haven't seen those alloys on the Cooper..looks nice.

[iraghava]

Uhhh.... Sam, that's not the original Mini but the 1st of the BMW made "New" ones! Here's the actual original!!

[Sam Kapasi]

Yes baba, you can see many original minis in my European Blog na?

I was just posting a cool mini picture. Here's another one:

[Nitin]

Sam..were these pics taken in Poland?

[iraghava]

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

Yes baba, you can see many original minis in my European Blog na?

I was just posting a cool mini picture.

Oh ok sorry Yes, I can see quite a few old Mini's in your blog. BTW also forgot that you act foolish about cars on purpose, I know you know your cars pretty well!!

Awesome O.Z. rims on the Mini Convertible though!

[Sam Kapasi]

Originally Posted by Nitin

Sam..were these pics taken in Poland?

Yes baba, it says warto nas sluchac over the car. I don't know any other country that speaks polish. Besides there is a Polish flag on the license plate lol.

Abhi polish bola, toh Team-BHPians will think Turtle Wax. Polish is the language spoken in Poland.