Mini Clubman Gets Bigger In 2016
The new generation of the MINI model family continues to grow. With the new MINI Clubman it now conquers the premium compact segment, too. The new model offers the highest level of everyday practicality, long distance suitability, versatility and ride comfort ever seen in a MINI. With four doors and the characteristic split doors at the rear, five fully-fledged seats and a generously sized, versatile interior, the new MINI Clubman meets all the requirements of the compact class in terms of functionality in its own unconventional way. Individual style, outstanding driving fun and the quality level of a premium automobile make it an exceptional phenomenon that allows additional target groups to get a taste of the distinctive MINI feeling.
The matured character of the new MINI Clubman is reflected in dimensions that are significantly larger than the predecessor model, a distinctive body concept, high-quality materials and finish quality and also new features in the areas of drive, suspension comfort, safety, controls and connectivity based on the latest MINI generation. Its status as the largest representative of the new MINI generation is also clearly shown in comparison with the MINI 5 door. The new MINI Clubman is 27 centimetres longer and 9 centimetres wider than the latter, and its wheelbase is 10 centimetres larger. Its luggage compartment has a volume of 360 litres, which can be extended to as much as 1 250 litres by folding down the rear backrest with its 40 : 20 : 40 split.
These features of the new MINI Clubman not only provide a link with its direct predecessor. A body variant of the classic Mini geared towards extended transport capacity was presented as long ago as 55 years. The structurally identical models Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Seven Countryman were 25 centimetres longer than their original counterpart, with a wheelbase that was extended by 10 centimetres. Another parallel with the latest new contemporary addition to the MINI family were the split doors at the rear, consisting of two side-opening wings. These help give the new MINI Clubman its unique status within the competitive field as a six-door model, emphasising its outstanding versatility in typical brand style.
For the first time, the new MINI Clubman combines the characteristic brand interpretation of this concept with the functional qualities of a modern automobile in the compact segment. With a length of 4 253 millimetres, a width of 1 800 millimetres and a height of 1 441 millimetres, it has distinctive proportions that make it unique within both the brand’s model program and the compact segment as a whole. The wheelbase measures 2 670 millimetres, while the track width is 1 564 millimetres at the front and 1 565 millimetres at the rear. These dimensions provide the ideal basis for a stylish, individual and exclusive appearance, agile driving properties and – thanks to clever space utilisation in typical MINI style – a roomy interior as well.
Classic design features and the emotionally appealing styling indicate the kinship of the new MINI Clubman as part of the brand’s model family while at the same time setting it clearly apart from its competitors. Circular headlamps with chrome surrounds, the hexagonal contours of the radiator grille and the vigorously arched power dome of the engine compartment lid define the front view in characteristic MINI style.
The lower air inlet is particularly wide, thereby highlighting the car’s solid stature. The bumper trim, also serving as a number plate carrier, is finished in high-gloss black. In the models MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper D Clubman, the section of the radiator grille above this is subdivided by three black ribs. The radiator grille of the MINI Cooper S Clubman has a chrome rib bearing a red “S” logo with a chrome surround. What is more, this engine variant can be recognised by the distinctive shaping of its front apron including a trim strip in high-gloss black and an additional opening in the engine compartment lid.
This New Mini Clubman is the biggest Mini so far. Big-car features include an electric parking brake, eight-speed automatic transmission, and hands-free opening for the vertically split rear doors.
The split doors with their striking metal surround are the most striking feature at the rear of the new MINI Clubman. The central bar between the glass sections of the two side-opening wings is significantly narrower than in the predecessor model, thereby optimising the view to the rear. The split doors are opened by means of a dual-section door handle finished in chrome. Non-contact opening of the split doors is possible in combination with the optional Comfort Access function. If the driver has the car key on them, it is sufficient to make a foot movement under the rear apron to trigger automatic opening.
The likewise newly designed, horizontally oriented rear lights are integrated in the wing doors and have chrome surrounds. Additional lights arranged below the doors perform a signalling function when the split doors are open. The impression of a body that rests powerfully on its wheels is emphasised from this perspective, too, with a contour edge in the rear apron as well as the downward increase in width at the rear that is typical of MINI. The MINI Cooper S Clubman has an aerodynamically optimised bumper including diffuser element and two exhaust tailpipes that are set wide apart.
The Clubman will be available from the end of October 2015 in Europe with a choice of three TwinPower Turbo engines: three-cylinder petrol 136PS, four-cylinder petrol 192PS and four-cylinder diesel 150PS. A three-cylinder 102PS petrol, three-cylinder 116PS diesel and four-cylinder 190PS diesel will be added later.
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