Not So Mini, New MINI Clubman
July 30, 2007 by George Skentzos
From any angle you look at the new MINI Clubman, it is still without doubt a MINI – there’s just more of it.
Offering a longer wheel base, the MINI Clubman can now comfortably seat four adults while still offering the surprise trademark performance and agility of the MINI Cooper.
Whilst official specs for the local model have not yet been released, European buyers will be spoiled for choice with no less than three choices for the engine alone. The top of the line Cooper S Clubman will be equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection producing a maximum output of 128 kW at 5,500 rpm, and 240 Nm of torque between 1,600-5,000 rpm (260 Nm with Overboost).
With over 40 combinations for the exterior paintwork alone, every Clubman is sure to be unique – and mouth-watering too, it seems – with the Clubman receiving its own exclusive colour option, Hot Chocolate which works exceedingly well with the new Silver roof colour and the frame around the rear doors. The interior is no different, combining four interior colours and five Colour Line variants differentiating your car from the rest has never been so easy. However if the choices are all too overwhelming, or your design flare has fizzled, MINI also offer two standard trim options as well as Fluid Silver and Brushed Alloy as further optional selections.
The new Clubman is a modern interpretation of a classic concept. Many of the MINI Clubman recalls the Austin Mini Countryman, the Morris Mini Traveller, and the Mini Clubman Estate sold in great numbers between 1960 and 1982. Access to the rear seats has been achieved through the Clubdoor concept, reminiscent of the RX8 suicide doors, the Clubdoor offers ample access to the rear seats. This concept is extended to the boot where twin doors offer wide access for bulky goods, the load bay swallowing 260-litres with the rear seats up. With the seats folded forward a significant 960-litres of space is available for loading.
Despite these classic styling trends, the Clubman is equipped with modern driving luxuries featuring highlights such as anti-lock control (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including hill start-off assistance all coming as standard. Driver safety has in no way been compromised with features including a crash-optimised passenger cell; six airbags; three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats with belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front; belt warning and ISOFIX child seat attachments for rear seats.
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Hmm, classic hits should just be that… left dead a buried in the past and designs should reflect looking forward and not looking back. Is nice but on the richter scale for design and originality 0%. Lift the game and not more of the same!!!!
What…. no option for timber panels on the side!!
This is one of the ugliest cars that has been released in the last 5 years!
Rear suicide door is only on one side, so it will be a pain in the a*** in right hand drive countries.
It’s as though the ugly stick machine was left on and this car received multiple taps.
Who on earth is expected to fork out hard earnt cash for such a hideous vehicle?
I love how what was once a cheap mode of transport is now trendy and expensive. Much like the VW Beetle was originally intended.
This new mini is neither trendy or good looking. I’m sure it will appeal to someone. But to me, the car looks like a BMW after-thought.
It’s hideous and out of proportion. And probably over priced.
Steve
At the end of the day I wander how the hell someone got paid good money to design such a hideous vehicle. Its ugly in any language.
They should get rid of the suicide door; strtche the front doors a bit more and make them slide or even gull-wing doors like the Raptor ute.. or create a Mini ute [with stepsides]
If you want to see what can be done to a mini; look at the Alpine Car Audio Demo Car from the states its similar to the Osmans Subie
cant believe they can use the name ” CLUBMAN ” for this car it looks the same as the mini 1 but longer freekin yuck if u ask me i think they should stop all production of bmw so call minis, and produce the old shape people would buy them in the millions.
Personally I would remove the back seats, weld the suicide door shut. Then you have a two seater wagon or you can turn it into a ute. With extra work. It is the after market bits that make a car.
Clubman hey? Come on!!!
I just vomited all over my screen, CLUBMAN not very impressive at all, bluddy stupid and waste of space, MINI should learn from their BIG mistakes…