MINI Clubman: In Depth

Press Release

Design

The new MINI Clubman continues the design language of the 2nd generation MINI, and is inspired by its ancestors; the Austin Mini Countryman and Morris Mini Traveller, in particular.

The ‘Shooting Brake’ concept was the first hint of the future MINI Clubman. Debuted at Frankfurt in September 2005, versions were also unveiled at Tokyo, Detroit and Geneva 2006. Many important details have made it into the production version. Historically, a ‘Shooting Brake’ is a vehicle derived from luxury coupés, but featuring a rear end akin to an estate car and a stretched roofline emphasising both sportiness and functionality.

The designers have succeeded in blending classic Mini features with the added interior flexibility of the Shooting Brake concept in an entirely new style, creating a car with ultra-modern technology and functionality.

Exterior

The three versions of the MINI Clubman are identical to the MINI hatch design and body structure up to the B-pillar, retaining the familiar hexagonal radiator grille and large, round headlights.

There are 12 body colours to choose from, creating 36 combinations of exterior paintwork. Hot Chocolate Metallic is new and reserved exclusively for the MINI Clubman. Other body colours are three non-metallic options (Chili Red, Pepper White and Mellow Yellow), as well as Astro Black, Sparkling Silver, British Racing Green, Pure Silver, Lightning Blue, Nightfire Red, Dark Silver and Laser Blue metallics.

The individual model variants are designated at the rear by their names Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S, while the name Clubman is highlighted on the right-hand door sill strip.

From the side

The MINI Clubman’s compact proportions and low-slung look create the same dynamic appearance as all other models in the MINI family. Seen from the side, the car has a dynamic profile due to the shoulder line rising slightly to the rear in contrast with the horizontal roofline. This means that the distance between the roof and shoulder line is smaller around the C pillars and opens up at the front by the A pillars.

The asymmetric structure of the car’s flanks is a truly unusual design feature. While on the left-hand side the large, front passenger door provides easy access, the additional door (40 centimetres wide) on the right-hand side provides an added convenience for back-seat drivers, or for owners looking to fill their boot. The Clubdoor is hinged at the back and opens against the direction of travel. For safety reasons, this door can only be opened when the front door is open and is much shorter than the front door. The Clubdoor does not require an outside door handle and therefore blends smoothly into the body of the Clubman.

The dark surface colour on the A and B pillars presents the large window areas as one uninterrupted strip, creating the impression of a roof ‘hovering’ in space. This design feature was introduced with the Hatch, but is emphasised with the Clubman’s double-length rear side windows that also aid visibility.

The MINI Clubman is the same width as the Hatch model. It is two centimetres higher due to the so-called ‘Dune Line’: a slender elevation that extends back on both sides along the entire length of the roof, balancing the proportions and making the car look smaller than it is.

The almost vertical C pillars and the body overhang at the rear, extended by 16cm compared to the Hatch, highlight the greater functional value of the new MINI Clubman. The C pillars and rear bumper are painted either Silver or Black and this contrasting colour helps to create a balanced look from the front to the rear. The roof can be ordered in Silver, Black or body colour, but the C pillars cannot be specified the same colour. A further design ‘trick’ to keep the car looking dynamic and sporty.

From the rear

The typical MINI design has always been a combination of a wide track and low centre of gravity that give it such excellent road-holding qualities and a kind of ‘bulldog stance’. The design of the rear accentuates this look further with a number of horizontal, parallel lines that shorten as they reach the roof of the car. The third brake light integrated into the roof strip, the two rear window wipers and chrome-plated door handles are framed by the vertical C pillars.

The two piece split-door is a modern interpretation of an authentic detail found on the MINI’s classic forerunners. Hinging at the outside, the rear doors open up easily to the left and right offering convenient access to the rear.

The rear light clusters on the MINI Clubman are a new design for this model and are fixed on the main body structure of the car (rather than the rear doors) to meet legal and homologation requirements that state rear lights must be visible from behind at all times. In order to maximise space and access, and following positive feedback from press and public alike to the MINI Concepts, the designers decided to hinge the rear doors as far to the outside as possible and came up with this alternative solution for the lights. Sweeping slightly to the inside at the top, the light cluster design discreetly follows the line of the rear door frame.

Seen from behind, the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D Clubman are the same design. The MINI Cooper S Clubman differs by a white third brake light (with a red bulb) and hexagon-design grid inserts either side of the registration plate, that match the front grille. Most obvious, are the two exhaust pipes either side of the body.

From the front

From the front, the roofline contour is all that separates the new MINI Clubman from the MINI Hatch. The familiar ‘face’ of the car includes the hexagonal radiator grille and large, round headlights. Other common features are the direction indicators integrated in the headlights, as well as the side lights beneath the headlight units, that also accommodate the optional front foglamps.

But the front views are subtly differentiated between the Clubman models. The edges of the MINI Cooper air intakes swing up slightly to present a more cheerful face in the rear view mirror of the car in front. The radiator grille on the MINI Cooper and Cooper D Clubman is chrome; a sporty-looking black honeycomb for the Cooper S Clubman.

MINI Cooper D has a slightly higher bonnet than the Cooper to accommodate the engine. The larger lower air intake with a body colour crossbar also differentiates it in the range.

MINI Cooper S Clubman stands out from the other models with a more defined bonnet that sits 20mm higher than the Cooper and presents an integrated air scoop. Practically, this extra two centimetres offers more space for the turbocharged engine beneath, and is a constant reminder of the extra power within.

Interior

The interior design of the new MINI Clubman replicates the design changes introduced on the 2nd generation MINI Hatch model. The opportunities for personalisation are just as varied with four interior colours and a wide range of trim options including Brushed Alloy and glistening Piano Black.

The generous luggage compartment offers 260 litres, 100 litres more than the Hatch, and easy loading options thanks to the split-rear doors. Folding down the rear seats provides 930 litres (250 litres extra compared to the Hatch), and a completely flat luggage compartment floor is available as an option.

The MINI Clubman is entering the market with five seats and three rear seat belts as standard. It is also possible to choose two seats at the rear as a no-cost option. The passengers in the rear enjoy 8cm more legroom than the MINI Hatch.

The toggle switches in the central column beneath the speedo operate the windows, fog lights, and central locking. When a sunroof and/or optional Lights Package is chosen, a second row of toggle switches comes into play in the roof lining above the central speedo. Ambient lighting included in the Lights Package allows the interior lighting of the car to be changed from blue through to orange.

The rev counter is fixed in front of the driver behind the steering wheel, with a digital speedo read-out and the car’s computer data incorporated within its dial. Not only are the revs recorded as the engine pumps the fuel through the cylinders, but the car’s standard alarm indicator pulses on the top surface of the rev counter. The alarm is a Thatcham Category 1 system.

The large central speedo houses the fuel gauge, seat belt warning indicator, audio system and any optional navigation and entertainment functions.