RE: Production-spec Mini Clubvan revealed

RE: Production-spec Mini Clubvan revealed

Tuesday 26th June 2012

Production-spec Mini Clubvan revealed

Like a Mini Clubman, only as a van...



Mini is to unveil the production version of its Clubvan at the Festival of Speed this weekend, which it previewed as a 'concept' (read: almost-but-not-quite production-ready) at the Geneva show back in the spring.


As you might have predicted, it is essentially a modified version of the Clubman (complete with side-entry 'clubdoor') but with the rear seats removed, a partition to separate cabin from load bay, solid panels in lieu of side windows and a flat floor with recessed hoops to help secure cargo.

It's a car-based van, basically, but one that should appeal to those with small businesses, or a hobby that requires loads of equipment. Or dog grooming, if these pics are anything to go by.

Up front is a standard Mini Clubman cabin, while under the bonnet you'll find your usual range of four-cylinder engines, except for the Cooper S and Cooper SD motors. Prices run from £11,175 to £14,510 and sales are expected to start this summer.





Author
Discussion

theJT

Original Poster:

314 posts

186 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
Looking at that photo, the side door doesn't open into the back so much as it does just the side of the seat... what's the point of that if there are no back seats to get into?

anonymous-user

55 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
I like it.
Curious logo but yeah I like it.
Liked the green one before this, Countryman Van was it?

DanDC5

18,821 posts

168 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
This looks like it'll be more use as a promotional tool than an actual van.

LuS1fer

41,153 posts

246 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
This could be the world's smallest and most useless van. the load space looks tiny based on it's height. Not really sure who it's aimed at..ebayers? wink

LordHaveMurci

12,046 posts

170 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
A cheap but still 'trendy' vehicle to run through a business tax efficiently? If so, curious that no Cooper or 'S' engines in the range?

Gene Vincent

4,002 posts

159 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
Perfect.

Just what I need for tooling around to my clients, chic, retro and classless.

Xmas pressie to myself.

coogy

955 posts

212 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
You gotta wonder why it's taken them this long to build it? They'll sell shed loads. Perfect for small businesses

sinbaddio

2,375 posts

177 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
Good idea that. My brother had an original Minivan as his first motor - it was ex GPO and really was a great tool. These will surely sell well.

tuffer

8,850 posts

268 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
I want a pickup version:

Six Fiend

6,067 posts

216 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
If load space is as per the previous concept then it's the biggest ickle van and a pretty good shape.

Small vans useless or rare? Think C2, Ka, Fiesta, Peugeot things, Punto, Corsa. They're all over the place when you look (i.e spend all day on the road).

No it's not a big load lugger but it'll sell well to the more lifestyle/style based business.

loudlashadjuster

5,145 posts

185 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
They might have Photoshopped in some UK plates at the same time as they were Photoshopping the English livery...

At least it'll be a good way of identifying why trades/shops are charging too much and should be avoided, much like the promotional use of Minis by certain estate agents is a good signal to avoid them.

Six Fiend

6,067 posts

216 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
loudlashadjuster said:
At least it'll be a good way of identifying why trades/shops are charging too much and should be avoided, much like the promotional use of Minis by certain estate agents is a good signal to avoid them.
Nothing to do with leases and residuals then...

loudlashadjuster

5,145 posts

185 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
Six Fiend said:
Nothing to do with leases and residuals then...
You know what I mean smile

Six Fiend

6,067 posts

216 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
loudlashadjuster said:
Six Fiend said:
Nothing to do with leases and residuals then...
You know what I mean smile
I do but really don't think it's fair to single out one estate agent.

They're all like it wink

andyps

7,817 posts

283 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
loudlashadjuster said:
They might have Photoshopped in some UK plates at the same time as they were Photoshopping the English livery...
That was my thought, very half baked lazy photos, no UK dog parlour is likely to have a German registered left hand drive van. BMW should do better.

As for the van, I actually quite like it and I'm not a fan of the MINI. I can see people buying this and understand why they will.

carinaman

21,334 posts

173 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
They needed to use a photo with roofbars for those thinking of using one to cart hobby kit around. Plus that aerial will be a bit of a drag with stuff strapped to the roof bars.

Nice dog.

Cotty

39,617 posts

285 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
Is this similar to the green one we were shown a while back.

dubmonkey

13 posts

163 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
Reminds me of my first car...




Miss that van! frown

Garlick

40,601 posts

241 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
Like it.

Would like one with little steel wheels and vinyl seats.

arkenphel

484 posts

206 months

Tuesday 26th June 2012
quotequote all
That. Is. Cool.

I'm surprised the haters haven't voiced their nonsense yet.