New Mini crossover won’t be called ‘Crossman’

Posted Sat Oct 11 2008 11:03 AM by Kenneth Hall

2008 Mini crossover concept
New Mini crossover could be called the ‘Maxi’

Mini recently revealed a concept version of its upcoming crossover model at the Paris Motor Show but didn’t go so far as to give it a name. Until now most sources, including this one, reported that Mini’s new crossover will be called the ‘Crossman,’ however the carmaker’s global sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson has now confirmed the new model will go by a different name.

Speaking with Australia’s GoAuto, Robertson said “I can assure you it won’t be known by that name.”

When asked if the vehicle could be called the ‘Maxi’ – a name used by British Leyland for a five-door hatch that shared a number of features with a Mini project from the late 1960s – Robertson neither confirmed nor denied the name. He did, however, reveal that a FWD ‘Estate’ version of the new crossover will follow the AWD model, which is scheduled to appear sometime in 2011.

Production of the new Mini crossover will likely be outsourced to independent vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr, which is expected to build up to 80,000 units per year.

Gallery: 2008 Mini Crossover Concept at the Paris Motor Show

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Reader Comments

  • Tue May 27 2008 1:47 PM

    Gus says

    Looks like a Mini that's about to hurl chunks... :)

    It looks ok, I guess, but I wouldn't call it an SUV, but I guess everything is an SUV these days.

  • Tue May 27 2008 10:02 PM

    HECTOR says

    There's a word that many car manufacturers (certainly BMW is one of them) should learn and remember:

    ENOUGH.

  • Tue May 27 2008 11:25 PM

    Wizards Lore says

    why ENOUGH when they know they will turn a profit...i dont approve of market saturation but they are coverign every signle niche now..german global domination on an automotive scale !

  • Wed May 28 2008 11:48 AM

    Baltasar says

    It Is good!

  • Thu May 29 2008 2:37 AM

    Stephen says

    Isnt this defeating the purpose?!

  • Wed Jul 2 2008 12:38 PM

    bambam says

    Doh! I thought it was a hot rod or a tuners car of the new mini.
    Shouldn't we just change the mini name to BIGGY. Oh wait should there be a mini brand instead.
    Bad timing anywhere in the world, tell me when I'm wrong after the car is release.
    It can't compete.

  • Wed Jul 2 2008 3:49 PM

    Roy says

    The body is the same size as the regular Mini. This is just like one of those Volvo or Subaru specials where they jack up the suspension (and the price) to give the driver an improved view of the road. Perhaps this will be the successful introduction of the Little Utility Vehicle (LUV) to the US... although I wouldn't buy one!

  • Wed Jul 2 2008 8:03 PM

    Dcars says

    Looks good but I wouldn't call it an SUV. Its a station wagon.

  • Sat Oct 11 2008 4:08 PM

    NoNameDenton says

    Give it a diesel for America

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