Mini unveils new Clubvan

MINI has
revealed a new stand-out-from-the-crowd concept at the Geneva International
Motor Show 2012.

The Mini
Clubvan Concept is a compact van for business and leisure, and the first
premium model in the small car-based van segment.

The Clubvan
Concept proves that style can also be practical, and that practicality can be
attractive. The Clubman-based concept car combines all of the driving fun and
distinctive design for which Mini is renowned, with an increased load-carrying
capability. The Clubvan concept opens the door to a completely new market for
Mini, premium small businesses who want to combine sharp driving dynamics with
low cost of ownership, while also making a style statement with their company
van.

The ability to
adapt goes back to the heart of Mini’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 so the Morris Mini Van was born. With its 10-centimetre-longer
wheelbase, separate load compartment and split rear doors, it 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
Clubman. And so, more than 50 years on, the Clubvan Concept sees history
repeating itself.

Limiting the
car to two seats creates the capacity needed by business owners on a day-to-day
basis, as well as opening up a whole new world of customisation potential. The
same principle used in the classic Mini is applied in the Clubvan – to provide
the maximum amount of interior space on the smallest possible footprint.

Just like the
Clubman, the Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors
for the driver and front passenger, two side-hinged rear doors and the
rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side all create useful access. The
Clubdoor gives owners the option of loading smaller items from the side of the
car as well as the rear.

The Clubvan
Concept shares the same exterior dimensions as the Clubman. The exterior of the
car marks it out immediately as a Mini offering customers the opportunity to
combine their need for a practical, compact and easy- to-run van with the
appeal of individual style and distinctive design, synonymous with the brand.