Mini Clubvan, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Mini Clubvan, 2013

The personality and hallmark driving fun of the MINI brand is coming to a whole new group of customers with the launch of the new MINI Clubvan.

Making its global premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the world's first premium compact delivery van has five doors, but only two seats. That means outstanding levels of practicality and storage, making it the perfect new member of the team for any business with an eye for style.

Key to the Clubvan's appeal is its spacious load bay. It extends from the wide-opening double doors at the back of the vehicle to a sturdy internal bulkhead immediately behind the driver and passenger seats. That's made from a solid aluminium lower section with a steel mesh upper, and stowed cargo can also be accessed through the two rear doors or via the Clubdoor on the driver's side.

The blocked-out rear side windows are body-coloured and feature interior polycarbonate reinforcement. Combined with tinted glass in the rear doors, it means the load compartment is both secure and concealed from prying eyes.

Inside, the cargo area stretches back 115 cm and, even at its narrowest point just behind the rear doors, is 102 cm wide. With the bulkhead to protect the driver and/or passenger, it can be loaded right to the roof which measures 84cm at its highest point. That means 860 litres of space and a maximum payload capacity of 500 kg.

The load floor is completely flat for ease-of-use, and both it and the side walls are trimmed in high-quality upholstery. Above, an anthracite roof liner runs the full length of the vehicle. Six heavy duty attachment loops are recessed into the floor at the sides to help prevent cargo from moving around in transit, while multiple 12-volt sockets can be used to power electrical equipment.

In common with all MINIs, the Clubvan will offer owners outstanding driving dynamics. Featuring powertrain and chassis technology from the Clubman, it comes with powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines. Three versions will be available; the 72 kW/98 hp MINI One Clubvan, the 90 kW/122 hp MINI Cooper Clubvan and the 82 kW/112 hp MINI Cooper D Clubvan. All come with MINI's familiar front-wheel-drive set-up, Electric Power Steering, MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and powerful brakes. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but an optional six-speed automatic transmission is also available.

Also standard are MINIMALISM features including Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand operation of ancillary units. These will help business users keep a tight rein on fuel consumption and offers exceptionally low running costs. For example, the MINI Cooper D Clubvan offers official combined fuel economy of 72.4 mpg, meanwhile CO2 emissions of just 103 g/km put the vehicle into an exceptionally low tax bracket.

Built in Britain at Plant Oxford, the Clubvan is true to the now-familiar MINI design language and features the same classic lines that have become the hallmark of the brand. Based on the Clubman platform, its exterior dimensions are identical to those of its sibling. It's 3,961 mm long, 1,683 mm wide and 1,426 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,547 mm. The Clubvan is the seventh unique member of the MINI family, selling alongside the Clubman, Hatch, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe and Roadster.

It is the first commercial vehicle to be offered since the MINI brand was relaunched under BMW's ownership in 2001. Because of that classification business users can claim back their VAT.

The newcomer's heritage can be traced back to 1960, when the original Mini - launched a year earlier - was joined in showrooms by the Morris Mini Van. With an extra 10cm in the wheelbase, closed-off load compartment and split rear door, it offered exactly the sort of workhorse capability that urban commercial users of the time required.

The new Clubvan is bringing that tradition of MINI practicality right up to date, while adding the brand's modern values of outstanding driving performance, high standard specification and exceptional style. The Clubvan comes with much higher specification than any comparable van in the segment with items such as DAB radio, air-conditioning, electric windows, anti-theft alarm and side and head airbags included as standard.

The MINI Clubvan is available in four exterior colours - Pepper White, Ice Blue, British Racing Green metallic and Midnight Black metallic. The roof, rear side window area, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps are body-coloured on all versions. The standard 15-inch Delta-spoke alloy wheels, which are exclusive to the MINI Clubvan, can be replaced by alternative 15, 16 or 17-inch alloy wheel designs.

The inside, black seats with Cosmos fabric upholstery, a black interior colour scheme and Fine White Silver trim strips are standard. The specification has been carefully considered to be in keeping with the functional and practical character of the vehicle. However, the interior can be customised to suit individual requirements. Options include black sports seats, which are available in Ray Cloth/Leather, Punch Leather or Lounge Leather.

Like every other MINI, the Clubvan can be personalised from the brand's extensive range of optional extras. These enhance comfort, convenience, driving enjoyment, safety and practicality. Expected to prove popular are xenon headlights, black headlight shells, adaptive headlights, automatic climate control, park distance control, automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors and a trailer hitch. The optional MINI navigation system, as well as MINI Connected, with the Google send to car service will keep the Clubvan heading in the right direction on its delivery runs.

The MINI Clubvan brings a new blend of sophistication and style to the business sector. Its blend of practicality and premium features means commercial customers could include caterers, event planners, small retail businesses or photographers. However, it will also appeal to some drivers with outdoor-based adventure hobbies such as cycling or mountaineering, where high-value equipment needs to be kept secure.

Retail prices, excluding VAT:
    MINI One Clubvan: £11,175
    MINI Cooper Clubvan: £12,475
    MINI Cooper D Clubvan: £13,600

Mini Coupe, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Mini Coupe, 2012

The next exciting chapter in the continuing MINI success story has begun with the launch of the all-new MINI Coupé, the fifth unique model in the family.

Selling alongside the MINI Hatch, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman, the British-built MINI Coupé is the first two-seater sports car in the UK brand's long and proud history. It's a contemporary and authentic reworking of the classic performance car concept, bringing MINI's intoxicating blend of go-anywhere attitude and practicality to a new type of customer.

The MINI Coupé's mission is a simple one; to maximise the thrill of being behind the wheel. Keen drivers will be rewarded with a level of handling agility unmatched in the small car segment. Every aspect of the MINI Coupé - from the choice of engines and chassis set-up to weight distribution and aerodynamics - is focused on delivering the optimum dynamic performance. To prove the point, the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé has the fastest acceleration and top speed of any volume-produced MINI to date.

The four-strong MINI range will go on sale through MINI dealers from 1st October 2011 and MINI Coupé customers can expect an exceptionally high standard of equipment including; DAB digital radio, air conditioning, park distance control, alloy wheels, 3-spoke sport leather steering wheel and sport stripes on the body work. A wide range of accessories and personalisation choices will be available.

Striking styling meets practicality
Key to the MINI Coupé's appeal is its stunning exterior design, unlike anything else in the compact sports car segment. Immediately identifiable as part of the MINI family, it's a genuine and appealing re-interpretation of the classic MINI design cues which have become so familiar on UK roads in the last decade. The car's design language - the clever combination of athletically sculpted surfaces, harmonious curves and parallel lines - takes the brand's styling in an exciting new direction, with a fresh and clear emphasis on the marque's sporting DNA.

The MINI Coupé is also an innovative new vehicle. It's the first modern MINI to adopt the traditional 'three-box' body structure, splitting the car into distinct segments - the engine compartment, cabin and boot. While the overall length and width are almost identical to the dimensions of the MINI Hatch, the Coupé's overall height is 29 millimetres lower. Visually, this and the stepped rear end give the car a more aggressive, forward-thrusting profile. The lower roofline doesn't come at the expense of driver and passenger comfort, though. Oval recesses in the headlining provide extra headroom, perfectly illustrating MINI's 'no compromise' ethos.

The styling team led by Head of Design Anders Warming has given the MINI Coupé a distinctive appearance from every angle. The most striking view is undoubtedly the profile, with horizontal layering of the car into three separate tiers - the body, the wrap-around glass and the eye-catching 'helmet design' roof. The A-pillars and windscreen are sharply raked by 13° compared to the MINI Hatch, resulting in a smaller frontal area that gives the MINI Coupé excellent aerodynamic properties.

Air flow is also optimised by the integrated spoiler at the rear of the roof, and via a unique active rear spoiler housed in the bootlid. It deploys automatically when the car reaches 50mph - and drops down again at 37mph - but can be operated manually via a button in the overhead control panel. The Coupé is the first MINI in history to feature an active rear spoiler, which reduces lift at the rear axle to improve aerodynamic balance and road grip.

MINI enthusiasts will immediately recognise the interior of the Coupé. The much-loved large central circular speedo, chrome toggle switches and numerous other MINI trademark features are all present in the two-seater cabin.

Behind is a spacious 280-litre luggage area - 20 litres larger than the MINI Clubman - easily accessible by the driver or passenger from inside the cabin as well as externally via the boot. The large, high-opening tailgate makes for simple loading and the car offers excellent cargo-carrying possibilities that will suit a wide range of needs. Whether it's for daily routine, fun weekend leisure trips or more adventurous touring for two, the MINI Coupé is ideal transport.

Tried and tested engines
Power for the MINI Coupé comes from the latest generation of BMW Group four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Outputs range from 122 hp/90 kW in the MINI Cooper Coupé to 211 hp /155 kW in the highly desirable flagship MINI John Cooper Works Coupé. The recently launched performance diesel engine, the 143 hp/105 kW Cooper SD, is also available and the line-up is completed with the Cooper S which offers 184 hp /135kW.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle stretches from 39.8mpg in the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé to a frugal 65.7mpg in the Cooper SD model, while CO2 emissions are as low as just 114g/km on the Cooper SD. Even the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé emits only 165g/km. The full technical specification for each model is given below.

Likely to prove popular with many potential MINI Coupé customers is the Cooper SD variant, which offers the best fuel economy, lowest emissions highest torque output of any MINI. What's more, it will still sprint to 62mph in under eight seconds and carry on to a top speed of 134mph. With a BIK value of just 13%, and zero first year road tax, user chooser company car drivers and fleet managers will also see its obvious appeal. No official figures are available yet, but the MINI Coupé is expected to have class-leading residual values.

Outstanding MINI dynamics and record-breaking speed
In the MINI Coupé, engine power is converted into pure driving fun more directly and comprehensively than ever before. This car is the clearest illustration yet of MINI's legendary sporting DNA being transposed into a cutting-edge new vehicle. The MINI Coupé provides a complete re-interpretation of what a contender in the compact sports car class should offer the driver.

The MINI Coupé takes the legendary go-kart handling of every new MINI to a new high. That each of the four model variants carries the Cooper name in its designation is indicative of MINI's faith in the performance credentials of its newest car. Traditionally, this badge has been a sign of outstanding sporting ability and a nod to the brand's long-time association with legendary Formula One designer John Cooper.

A level of chassis quality unmatched in the small car segment gives the new MINI model the handling flair you would expect from the brand. Designed to be the ultimate expression of go-kart handling, the car's suspension system provides a fun-filled, sharp and agile driving experience.

With a multi-link axle at the rear and MacPherson strut suspension up front, the outstanding quality of the chassis engineering, steering and brake system ensures confident control of the vehicle at all times, even when pushed hard in dynamic situations. Compared to the MINI Hatch the Coupé is also equipped with optimised springs and dampers and an uprated rear anti-roll bar to further enhance its sporting credentials.

Work to enhance overall body rigidity has seen a slight forward shift in the MINI Coupé's weight distribution compared with the MINI Hatch. This has major benefits for vehicle dynamics because the slight increase in front axle load increases traction, helping to ensure engine power is effortlessly translated into sporty acceleration.

A low centre of gravity, a long wheelbase measuring 2,467 millimetres, and a front and rear track width of 1,459 mm and 1,467 mm respectively also contribute to the sure-footed handling. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is standard across the MINI Coupé range and makes an important contribution to safe and agile handling. In extreme driving situations and on slippery surfaces the system can selectively brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to prevent a front or rear-end slide at the earliest possible stage. The system includes integral ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) is on the options list but standard on MINI John Cooper Works Coupé.

The optional Sport Suspension has firmer damper settings and comes with uprated anti-roll bars front and rear. For a more 'hard core' racing experience, the MINI Coupé accessories range includes a John Cooper Works Suspension, with a 10 mm drop in ride height, ultra-firm damping and further upgraded anti-roll bars.

One of the main attractions of owning a new MINI Coupé will be its straight-line speed. In the case of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé, it's a MINI record-breaking performance. With a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, it's the fastest volume-produced MINI to date on both counts.

MINIMALISM environmental technology as standard
All versions of the MINI Coupé come with the brand's critically acclaimed MINIMALISM environmental technology as standard, providing exceptional powertrain efficiency. Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop+, Shift Point Display+, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components help to make efficient use of fuel with low emissions. Additional features include innovative thermal encapsulation of the drivetrain, which shortens the fuel-sapping warm-up period after a cold start. All of these result in the MINI being the cleanest Coupé in the market place today.

The standard six-speed manual gearbox sets a new benchmark in the segment with its short-shift travel and precise action. A ready-to-drive weight of 44.8 kilograms makes this the lightest gearbox of its kind. The carefully considered ratios guarantee unbeatable agility in mid-range acceleration. In addition, the MINI Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper SD Coupé models all come with an innovative self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car's entire life.

For drivers who prefer the simplicity offered by an automatic transmission, a six-speed gearbox with Steptronic function, available with shift paddles, can be ordered as an option for the MINI Cooper Coupé, MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé.

The MINI Cooper Coupé comes with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a 16-inch version fitted to the MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé is specified with 17-inch, weight-optimised alloy wheels in JCW Cross Spoke CHALLENGE styling.

Advanced technology
The MINI Coupé's compelling driving experience is helped by the car's Electric Power Steering (EPS). This electro-mechanical system is particularly effective at soaking up steering shocks and other vibrations.

It features speed-dependent power assist, reducing the effort required from the driver during parking and other manoeuvres. It cuts the amount of assist at higher speeds to improve road feel and directional stability.

A Sport Button on the centre console is standard on all MINI Coupé models, pressing the Sport Button alters the response characteristics of the accelerator to deliver sharper, sportier reactions and is designed to support a more performance-minded driving style which requires more steering input but provides more responsive feel.

The MINI Coupé's model-specific braking system provides powerful, fade-free deceleration under even the hardest pedal pressure. The vented front brake discs have a diameter of 280 millimetres on the MINI Cooper Coupé, 294 millimetres on the MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé, and 316 millimetres on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé.

Technical Specifications
All MINI Coupé four-cylinder petrol engines come with BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology - a fully variable valve control system which adjusts valve lift and opening times in direct relationship to the driver's command on the throttle pedal, delivering more torque and better fuel consumption.

MINI John Cooper Works Coupé

•     Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport.
•     Displacement: 1,598 cc
•     Power output: 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm
•     Max. torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 2,000-5,100 rpm (280 Nm/207 lb-ft with overboost at 1,700-4,500 rpm)
•     Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 6.4 seconds
•     Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
•     Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres (39.8 mpg imp)
•     CO2 emissions: 165 g/km

MINI Cooper S Coupé

•     Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology
•     Displacement: 1,598 cc
•     Power output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm
•     Max. torque: 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600-5,000 rpm (260 Nm/192 lb-ft with overboost at 1,700-4,500 rpm)
•     Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 6.9 seconds
•     Top speed: 230 km/h (143 mph)
•     Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (48.7 mpg imp)
•     CO2 emissions: 136 g/km

MINI Cooper Coupé

•     Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology
•     Displacement: 1,598 cc
•     Power output: 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm
•     Max. torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm
•     Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 9.0 seconds
•     Top speed: 204 km/h (127 mph)
•     Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres (52.3 mpg imp)
•     CO2 emissions: 127 g/km

MINI Cooper SD Coupé

•     Four-cylinder turbodiesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry
•     Displacement: 1,995 cc
•     Power output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm
•     Max. torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750-2,700 rpm
•     Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 7.9 seconds
•     Top speed: 216 km/h (134 mph)
•     Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (65.7 mpg imp)
•     CO2 emissions: 114 g/km

Exterior dimensions
    Length
        MINI Cooper Coupé: 3,728 millimetres
        MINI Cooper S and Cooper SD Coupé: 3,734 millimetres
        MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 3,730 millimetres
    Width: 1,683 millimetres (1892 millimetres including door mirrors)
    Height
        MINI Cooper S Coupé: 1,378 millimetres
        MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 1,384 millimetres
    Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

Prices (UK - OTR)
    MINI Cooper Coupé: £16,640
    MINI Cooper S Coupé: £19,775
    MINI Cooper SD Coupé: £20,510
    MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: £23,795

Mini Convertible Highgate, 2012

 

 

 

 

•  Mini Convertible Highgate, 2012

For MINI fans looking to combine open-top driving fun with sophisticated individuality and an essential dose of Brit-cool, the MINI Convertible Highgate provides the perfect stage. The new special-edition variant of the soft-top four-seater seizes the limelight with its innovative and precisely coordinated splash of colours and materials. The MINI Convertible Highgate boasts numerous exterior and interior design features developed specially to suit the character of the car. Together with the extensive selection of on-board equipment, they provide a fresh interpretation of British style and premium feel in an open-top small car.

The 4 engine variants offered for the MINI Convertible Highgate, which produced over a limited period at MINI Plant Oxford. The new special edition is due to go on sale worldwide from spring 2012.

New exterior paint finishes, soft-top colours and wheel designs developed specially for the MINI Convertible Highgate provide the external expression of its exclusive aura. The new body colour Iced Chocolate metallic captures the imagination with its refined and understated basic colour and a special pigmentation that reveals a subtle, bluish lustre under the sun's rays. In keeping with the theme, the brown soft-top roof also has a light metallic sheen. The distinctive look is further enhanced by brown/black bonnet stripes with blue edging, while Midnight Black metallic or White Silver metallic paintwork can be specified as an option. The exterior mirror caps of the special-edition model are also painted in the body colour. Another feature developed exclusively for the MINI Convertible Highgate are the 17-inch Double Cross light-alloy wheels in a refined, subtly-shaded aluminium colour. The wheels' spoke arrangement is inspired by the pattern of the Union Jack flag.

The "Highgate" lettering on the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags is a nod to the car's exclusive character, as are the bespoke colours and materials used in the interior. The Lounge Leather seats and leather Colour Line elements come in Dark Truffle and feature light contrast stitching. Light blue piping on the seats and Dark Truffle contrast stitching on the gearshift/selector lever and handbrake gaiters are further highlights. Stainless steel pedals, Suntouched Brushed Alloy interior trim elements, the Chrome Line Interior package and floor mats with Dark Truffle edging round off the stylish interior ambience of the MINI Convertible Highgate.

The new special-edition model sees MINI once again emphasising not only the individuality of the brand - as highlighted by the stand-out design features - but also its links to its native Britain. The name of the new special-edition model is taken from one of the most exclusive residential areas of London. Located in the north of England's capital, Highgate is known for its historic architecture and wide open green spaces, and is home to numerous showbiz celebrities.

The MINI Convertible Highgate can be ordered in MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) and MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp) guise. All the engines channel their power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic. Customers can add their own personal touches to the extensive standard equipment of the MINI Convertible Highgate by dipping into the wide assortment of options designed to enhance both comfort and driving fun.

Mini Clubvan Concept, 2012

 

 

 

 

•  Mini Clubvan Concept, 2012

Stand-out-from-the-crowd style can also be amazingly practical - and practicality surprisingly attractive. The MINI Clubvan Concept brings apparently conflicting profiles together into a single package, paving the way for an innovative vehicle concept without parallel in the premium small car segment. The MINI Clubman-based concept car, scheduled for its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012, combines the driving fun for which MINI is renowned with increased load-carrying capability. The MINI experience will therefore find its way into new areas of life, the brand's distinctive character gaining new popularity among target groups not previously on the MINI radar.

The closed-off load area behind the front seats and the opaque rear side windows of the new concept set it apart most strikingly from the MINI Clubman. The MINI Clubvan Concept uses its broader skill-set to open up new usage possibilities - both business and leisure. Where a business's customers, product range and operating environment demand a particular style for its vehicles, a premium model can make the perfect delivery solution. For example, a car in the mould of the MINI Clubvan Concept would fit excellently into the fleet of a fashion designer, art gallery owner or event caterer. And its abilities as an all-rounder also tick the right boxes for a photographer with a stack of camera, tripod and lighting equipment to ferry around during the week - and bulky sports and leisure gear to pile on board at the weekend.

The MINI Clubvan Concept pulls off the trick of blending enhanced practicality and a well-judged lifestyle focus with natural ease. This ability is based on the impressive adaptability that goes to the heart of the MINI brand's heritage. Calls for maximising the load capacity of the classic Mini began as early as 1960, just a year after the car's birth. And they were soon heeded. With its 10-centimetre-longer wheelbase, separate load compartment and split rear doors, the Morris Mini Van was perfectly equipped for commercial use. It also provided the basis for the fully glazed, four-seat Morris Mini Traveller, one of the precursors of today's successful MINI Clubman. And so, more than 50 years on, the MINI Clubvan Concept sees history repeating itself - albeit in a slightly different order.

Two seats, five doors, endless usage potential
Limiting the car to two seats creates the capacity its need on a day-to-day basis, as well as opening up a whole new world of customisation potential. The load compartment of the MINI Clubvan Concept embodies the car's fresh and rigorous interpretation of the principle used in the classic Mini - of providing the maximum amount of interior space on the smallest possible footprint. The load area reaches from the split rear doors right up to the partition grille behind the two seats. The totally level floor makes full use of the interior's depth, and that allows the concept car's load capacity to exceed the maximum achieved by the MINI Clubman.

Six attachment loops recessed into the load compartment floor use elasticated straps to hold items of varying lengths, heights and widths in place - without the risk of them sliding around. Added to which, the partition grille, which is fixed securely to the car body, ensures that items stowed in the load compartment cannot find their way into the front seats, even under extremely heavy braking. The lower section of the partition is made from solid aluminium, while the upper section consists of a silver-coloured stainless steel honeycomb grating. The side walls and floor of the load compartment are trimmed in high-quality anthracite-coloured cloth. The anthracite roof liner, meanwhile, extends along the full length of the interior. This uniform colour scheme emphasises the pure-bred, practicality-oriented character of the MINI Clubvan Concept.

Like the MINI Clubman, the MINI Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two side-hinged doors at the rear and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side create comfortable access to the interior. The Clubdoor gives owners the option of loading or unloading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.

The generous levels of space on board the concept car can be exploited in a variety of ways. Commercial users will be particularly pleased to discover the scope for configuring the load compartment to personal requirements. For example, tools and goods can be stored neatly and securely in made-to-measure drawers or shelving units. 12-volt plug sockets in the rear area of the load compartment provide additional practicality.

Exterior design: shields from prying eyes, cuts a distinctive figure
Impressive practicality and the brand's time-honoured style lend the MINI Clubvan Concept its unmistakable character. Sharing the exterior dimensions of the MINI Clubman and boasting cleverly increased storage capacity, the concept car is the first premium model in the small car-based van segment. The exterior appearance of the MINI Clubvan Concept marks it out immediately as a MINI - and therefore as a premium product. The function-led design modifications have no impact on the car's proportions and hallmark MINI design language, but they do give customers the opportunity to combine the demands of commercial use with an appreciation of individual style.

The MINI Clubvan Concept comes with British Racing Green exterior paintwork, which extends to the roof, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps. As is usual for vehicles charged with transportation tasks, the rear side windows of the MINI Clubvan Concept are opaque. Polycarbonate sections - their outer surfaces painted in the car's body colour - and heavily tinted glass for the rear doors make it difficult to see into the load compartment.

The unbroken paintwork along the car's flanks offers extensive scope for individualisation, which the MINI Clubvan Concept highlights to eye-catching effect. The sealed side windows bear the logo of a sign design company based in the MINI's native Great Britain. The hand-applied graphics lend the vehicle a personal look. Indeed, the ultra-versatile MINI carries both its cargo and the company's promotional message with a uniquely stylish verve. The MINI Clubvan Concept presented in Geneva lends this form of customisation a piquant authenticity - on two fronts. The British company that has literally left its stamp on the MINI Clubvan Concept creates similar vehicle graphics for its customers. And the MINI Clubvan Concept showcases how these might look when applied to a MINI van.