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Beachcomber-Based MINI Moke Headed Toward Production

 
6 3,816 views May 27, 2010
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2010 MINI Beachcomber Concept

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 MINI Beachcomber Concept

MINI's on a product barrage of late, expanding from its one-time single-vehicle, two-variant lineup to add the Clubman, Countryman, and now, a possible return of the Moke. Based around the Beachcomber concept, which is itself based on the Countryman's platform, the Moke is a sort of open-air buggy-type MINI with surf-inspired utility and themes.

The Moke was actually part of the original Mini's lineup, sold for nearly 30 years until production stopped in 1993. It was designed initially as a prototype for a light military vehicle, explaining some of its similarities to the GI Jeep--a utilitarian, stripped-down, open-air purpose that, when taken into civilian use, found huge popularity in the beach-bound culture of surfers and their ilk.

But what the heck does "Moke" mean? It's actually a somewhat archaic British slang term for "donkey," again reflecting the go-anywhere, utilitarian ideals behind the design thesis.

The modern Moke stands to deliver well on the theme of useful fun in the sun, as the Countryman's ALL4 all-wheel drive system enhances soft-terrain capability and an all-weather interior enables wet-dry use for swimmers, surfers, runners and more.

Its closest rival in the U.S., in terms of attitude, would still be the Jeep Wrangler, though the two could hardly be farther apart in execution. The burly, trail-rated Jeep is much more the off-roader, while the compact, civilized MINI Moke/Beachcomber places its bets on efficiency, maneuverability and mild off-road ability.

So what say you? Should MINI build the Moke? Or will it be little more than a novelty?

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Comments (6)

  1. By NoNameDenton Posted: 5/27/2010 8:13pm PDT

    That is a suprise, I thought this was only to preview part of the new CUV, a MINI version of the Wrangler, interesting idea in theory.
     
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  2. By R2Dad Posted: 5/27/2010 9:56pm PDT

    Is this a late April Fools joke? this vehicle cannot make it to production in the current configuration. No doors? No chance.
     
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  3. By Axel Posted: 5/28/2010 5:01am PDT

    @ R2Dad dont be so pessimistic of course its going to need doors Helloooo!!! It will not pass DOT/TUV regulations, sometimes I read some senseless writting in here and it makes me wonder of such ignorancy. Anyway, I beleive doors will in place a la JEEP that can be removed later on to go the beach or better yet mountain climbing so to speak. I beleive its a great idea to expand in other areas of the market hence, TOYOTA anyone, they have a vehicle for almost everything except SPORTS CAR(defunct SUPRA)and they are coming out with a new rocket if you have read previously here and in other sites. Again, lets look at it in a positive way. I remember seeing the Mini Prototype in ST Peterburg Fl and when I saw it I said to myself "This is ME". So, "Build them and they will BUY them"
     
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  4. By R2Dad Posted: 5/28/2010 10:39am PDT

    @ Axel. We actually own a MINI, so are big fans of the performance and fun factor of the Cooper. While I am definitely not a huge cheerleader, my perspective is one of realistic analysis of the pros and cons of vehicles. Now that I'm on my soapbox: This SUV is a bad business case looking to fill production line capacity. One, there is nothing Moke-like about this SUV; Brits will be appalled at the comparison. B, the reason why the Mini has been successful despite some drawbacks is the gocart-like handling, which is addictive; that handling is the brand appeal. There cannot be that type of handling in a small SUV, so you're left with an underpowered, top-heavy, overweight SUV that gets ok mileage--nothing fun and Mini about that. For the 2000 people that plan on going to Pismo or Daytona, the no-doors look is fine. For everyone else, what's the point? Fourthly, Mini management has gone off the rails. The Clubman is a vehicle trying to find a niche. Now this? A Mini pickup or van would have greater appeal, for it's small size and utility. And D, I haven't had my coffee this morning, so I might just be a tad grumpy.
     
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  5. By Saabaru5 Posted: 5/28/2010 4:33pm PDT

    I personally feel that this would be an awesome addition to the automotive world. I think we need more vehicles that cater to the fun aspects of life, instead of the typical automotive appliance, which unfortunately seems to be where most all manufactures now focus. To me, it's cars like this that will reinject the emotion that cars need, something they once had, and have lost in the the grim business world. We need automobiles that better cater to our personal life extracurricular activities and moods while driving (like being able to easily remove the doors because you feel like it).
    So, I do personally believe that there is room in our market for a car like this. Look at how many people already own SUV's that will never see dirt or rarely see a softroad trail! I don't know if I would buy a Mini, but if this vehicle was produced, it could potentially inspire other with a similar fun factor.
     
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  6. By Axel Posted: 5/29/2010 10:35am PDT

    I feel you my friend but that was said about the X5 the Prsche Cayenne abd others so I beleived it will be a hit anyways. Most of the SUVs in the market NEVER see dirt anyway but beleive you me the MOKE will see the dirt bet you on that on .
     
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