Thread: is it named after a biscuit or a spin bowler?

MINI Clubman
MINI’s Monte SUV waits in wings

MINI heads into the rough with the Monte SUV

Photos: Stefan Baldauf
05th November 2007
Here’s a MINI bosses would rather you didn't see!

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.

This is what the world has come to.

Today's people think you must have a specially redesigned vehicle to go "off road". By which they mean, off the sealed roads, onto a rough and scary dirt one.

And to get around the leafy suburb, you just have to have the largest SUV, in it's class, in the world, the Holden "Suburban".

I have been watching some of the club 4WD touring video's recently on C31.

Sorry chaps. I've taken my old Triumph T100 road bike into rougher terrain than that I saw in those "guided 4WD tours". The old Falcon work ute bounced over worse creek crossings just getting to and from some job sites.

Mind you, they were in Toyo's and Nismo's etc.

As for how good the "Mini" is. Hah.
Last one tried my old 1970 Datsun 1200 coupe out, well I don't know where he went except behind.
That little bugger has an 8,000 RPM redline, and can pull well over dollar sixty in 3rd gear though.

Hey, maybe I should put the Datto racer engine in the Landy. That should make her sit up and take notice.