Wednesday 5th December 2012

Mini-Van is reincarnated as Clubvan arrives

Mini enters the van market with quirky Clubman-based offering

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Ahh, the Mini-Van. A British classic beloved of small businesses and tradesmen everywhere. A clever little commercial vehicle that mobilised our nation of shopkeepers, and brought a little bit of driving enjoyment to many a delivery driver’s life. Like the saloon on which it was based, countless members of the British public can recall a story about one, some a little more risqué than others, but whatever your experience of the Mini-Van, it is one of the most fondly-remembered commercial vehicles in Britain. And there aren’t many of those, so it must have done something right.

Clubvan invokes spirit of original Mini-Van

It’s no surprise, then, that Mini is trying to recapture some of that success with its new Clubvan. We first brought you news of the Clubvan back in June, but Mini has finally released it for general sale.  As the name suggests, it’s essentially a Clubman with no rear seats, and panels instead of rear windows, making it a rather neat-looking little thing. Mini bosses are hoping that it’ll allow the company to snatch a slice of the commercial vehicle market by appealing to van drivers and business owners who want a slightly more stylish alternative to the usual white box. They’re also hoping that the model will appeal to lifestyle types who need to carry big, bulky things on a regular basis – surfers and mountain bikers, we’re looking at you, among others.

Three trim levels will be available, and while engine-wise there’s nothing to write home about, there will at least be two petrol options, one of which will be the peppy 122hp 1.6-litre in the Cooper Clubvan. There’ll also be a 112hp diesel in the Cooper D Clubvan. But Mini does point out that it hasn’t forgotten about driving dynamics, suggesting that the Clubvan will at least be an entertaining thing to chuck around – when there isn't a fragile load in the back, of course. Inside, there’ll be a decent standard spec, including air conditioning and a DAB radio, while the options list includes sports leather seats. Prices will start at £11,175 for the One Clubvan.

Interior will feature aircon and optional leather

All of which should make this an interesting option for those who can’t escape the necessity to lug large things around, whether for business or for pleasure. That said, Mini’s latest models – the Countryman and the Clubman – have not been universally loved. With six other Mini models now available, and the Paceman still to come, could this be yet another unwelcome diversion for Mini? Or will it bring a refreshing dose of style and interest that the commercial vehicle world is crying out for? We’d love to hear what you think.

[RacingBlue]

I think this is the only Mini variant I currently like. It's come very late in the model cycle though - isn't a new Mini due next year?

[Hellbound]

For comedy value I'd like to see someone convert one of these, or the Clubman, into a useable camper!

[kambites]

Seems A fairly natural extension to the range, and I actually think it's the best looking MINI variant (which is not exactly high praise).

Have they left the daft third door on the other side?

[After_Shock]

A sensibly priced Mini for a change.

[daemon]

I really like these.

I am sure the lease offers will be really good, as residuals should be high.

[donkis2032]

I want one!

As a keen cyclist I need something to carry my bikes around in. Currently using an SUV but its far too big for what I need. Previously had vans but this is just a bit nicer than your standard DisAstra Van

When will it be available?

[Hellbound]

kambites said:

Have they left the daft third door on the other side?

They should have engineered in a 'mini' sliding door on either side.

[alfasud1]

+VAT?

[Scrof]

donkis - it's already out; just been released!

[fredbrad]

I'm now waiting for the pick-up.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

daemon said:

I really like these.

I am sure the lease offers will be really good, as residuals should be high.

I actually think the lease deals will be crap on these unfortunately, I've been thinking about getting one since they announced it.

alfasud1 said:

+VAT?

Yes, the 11 grand figure is +vat

[Hellbound]

donkis2032 said:

I want one!

As a keen cyclist I need something to carry my bikes around in. Currently using an SUV but its far too big for what I need. Previously had vans but this is just a bit nicer than your standard DisAstra Van

When will it be available?

Will your bikes fit in it without having to pull a wheel off?
I'd just get a used VW transporter, get it insulated and lined with carpet, put in a second row of seats and you'll have a much cooler vehicle.

[kambites]

Hellbound said:

Will your bikes fit in it without having to pull a wheel off?

I suspect not - it doesn't look long enough to me.

[donkis2032]

Hellbound said:

Will your bikes fit in it without having to pull a wheel off?
I'd just get a used VW transporter, get it insulated and lined with carpet, put in a second row of seats and you'll have a much cooler vehicle.

It should do - chap at work has the estate version and his bike goes straight in with both wheels on. I'd love a transporter but they're MEGA money for what they are, or cheap and knackered. 11k doesn't buy you much of a transporter, or a new one of these (pov spec mind)

[kambites]

donkis2032 said:

It should do - chap at work has the estate version and his bike goes straight in with both wheels on.

That's quite impressive; they don't look long enough.

[suffolk009]

I think it's designed with mobile dog groomers and signwriters in mind.

[Six Fiend]

suffolk009 said:

I think it's designed with mobile dog groomers and signwriters in mind.

And anyone else who drives one of the many thousands of small vans on the roads

With possibly solid residuals these could do very well. Could have got probably 95% of my courier jobs in one easily and had a much better drive than in the Nemo or Connect.

[y2blade]

Fantastic

[Six Fiend]

y2blade said:

Vantastic

EFCrapjoke

[Mr Viking]

I think my cousin will probably get one of these as a work vehicle for his hairdressing barber shop
(edit) in Essex