Auto Channel

Introduction

• More doors, more space, more legroom, more individuality, more British production.
• Same great driving dynamics, same leading residual values, same tlc, same low emissions.

The new MINI Clubman will go on sale in the UK on Saturday 10 November 2007. Based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, the new car is a modern interpretation of its famous Mini predecessors taking into account all the demands and technologies of the 21st century.

It takes a sneaky peek back in time, but has its eyes firmly ahead on the engineering, design, safety and image demands that today’s customers expect of a premium car. Still a MINI, but with a little bit extra.

Available from launch in three engine variants: Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S, the new model offers practical flexibility, easier access through innovative door concepts, more space for rear passengers and high levels of safety and customisation options. But nothing compromises MINI’s revered driving dynamics and the Clubman look will be unique on the streets.

The stand-out styling (and added practicality) reinforces MINI’s position in the 21st century as the most in-demand small car on the planet. Over 188,000 were demanded in 2006 and 2007 will be yet another record sales year for MINI. But it is the swinging ‘60s that had a hand in the Clubman development.

The new car takes inspiration and styling cues from the Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate. The new MINI Clubman nevertheless stays true to the successful, modern MINI design language. It’s still a MINI, so owners get short body overhangs, wide track, a long wheelbase, the high shoulder line rising towards the rear and, of course, MINI decals for the roof.

The new MINI Clubman is 24cm longer than the Hatch. Inside, it offers 8cm more legroom for rear passengers and is the first new MINI to enter the market with five seats. Boot capacity has increased to 260 litres with the seats in place and up to 930 litres with the rear seats down. Access to this extra space has been made easier via the split rear doors and additional Clubdoor on the right-hand side.

Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager, said: “MINI remains the most successful small car of the decade, and its appeal to a wider variety of customers has increased even more in 2007. The MINI Clubman is the third model in the range to join the successful MINI Hatch and MINI Convertible. We have a great choice of engines that satisfy low emissions and high fuel efficiency desires, but also keep the fun in driving. The new MINI Clubman has all the plus points of a MINI, with added functionality and a unique style.”

Modern high-performance engines, designed specifically for the 2nd generation MINI, feature new improvements to optimise fuel economy and emissions management. Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and a Gearshift Point Indicator are standard on all variants. The greatest impact is seen on the MINI Cooper D Clubman, which achieves a hybrid-matching low emissions figure of 109 g/km C02.

The Clubman body style adds to the MINI family of Hatch and Convertible models, which have sold over one million models worldwide since 2001. All three derivatives are built at Plant Oxford, where £100 million has been invested in the past two years to increase production up to 240,000 by 2008. This is more than double the planned production capacity prior to the first car coming off the line in spring 2001.

Oliver Zipse, Managing Director BMW Group Plant Oxford, said: “The new MINI Clubman is another milestone in the MINI success story. Our highly committed associates in the MINI production triangle plants in the UK at Oxford, Hams Hall and Swindon have so far produced more than one million MINIs since the car was relaunched in 2001. With the MINI Clubman we are expecting new production and sales records for MINI which is great news for the UK automotive industry.”

As with the Hatch models, the petrol engines will be assembled at Plant Hams Hall in the Midlands and the body panels and sub-assemblies are from Plant Swindon. This ‘MINI production triangle’ employs a workforce of approximately 6,800 in the UK, and delivers MINIs to over 70 markets worldwide.

Clubman’s vital statistics

The new MINI Clubman will be sold through the UK MINI network of 148 dealers spanning the country. Over the past few years, MINI dealers have been investing in their dealerships, expanding or re-locating to fit the growing MINI range.

Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager, said: "It’s a great time to be a MINI dealer. They’re very excited and confident about the imminent arrival of the Clubman. The planned expansion of the MINI range is in no small part down to the great service MINI owners receive at their dealerships, and this is reflected in the year-on-year growth. Dealers in the UK have invested close to £40 million in the last two years in expanding or moving premises, enabling them to present the huge choice of models, options and accessories to customers in the showroom.”

Hearn continued: “Demand continues to grow with 2007 sales up nearly 14 per cent, including three record sales months from March. Residual values remain the best in the industry according to Lex and the arrival of Clubman will further add to MINI's growth over the coming years."

Standard Specification MINI Cooper Clubman

Safety

• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
• Central locking, automatic at 10mph
• Corner Braking Control (CBC)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) inc. Hill Assist
• Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
• Crash sensor
• Disc brakes all round – vented at front
• Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD)
• MINI Mobility System (MINI MS)
• Passenger airbag deactivation
• Tyre defect indicator
• Driver and front passenger front airbags
• Driver and front passenger side airbags
• Curtain head airbags
• Three-Point safety belts with pretensioners

Exterior

• 15” light alloy wheels – 5-Star Spooler
• 6-Speed manual gearbox
• Automatic rear wash wiper
• Chrome-plated door handles
• Electric door mirrors
• Heated rear window
• Front and rear bumpers in body colour
• Third brake light
• Black side air inlets with integrated orange indicator
• Silver or black contrast roof and door mirrors
• Chrome-plated grille
• Chrome-plated tailgate handle
• Security locking wheel bolts
• Silver or black contrast C pillars

Interior

• Automatic start/stop function (MSA) (manual only)
• Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR)
• Switch Point Display (SPA) (manual only)
• 3 rear seats (2 rears seats as a no-cost option)
• 50 / 50 split folding rear seats
• CD changer preparation
• Aux In connection (3.5mm plug) for MP3 players
• Cloth Cosmos
• Cup holders front and rear
• Easy entry function (a seat release lever that moves the whole seat forward to allow easy access to the rear)
• Start/Stop button
• Electric front windows
• Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Steering column height and length adjustable
• ISOFIX child seat attachment on rear seats
• Radio BOOST with single CD
• Remote central locking and alarm (Thatcham CAT1)
• Glove box
• Rev counter with outside temperature display

MINI Cooper D Clubman

Standard Specification above MINI Cooper

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

MINI Cooper S Clubman

Standard Specification above MINI Cooper

• 16” light alloy wheels – S Winder
• Twin scroll turbo charger
• Sport button