Mini Reveals Clubvan concept

Mini moves into commercial vehicles with new panel-van-in-miniature

By Riggers / Monday, 20 February 2012 / Loading comments

This is the new Mini 'Clubvan', the company's latest twist on the Mini theme. Described by Mini as 'the first premium model in the small car-based van segment' (there's a niche for you), it's due to be unveiled at the Geneva show in a couple of weeks time.

As we predicted when we

first heard about the new Mini commercial vehicle a little while back

, the new Clubvan is basically just the Mini Clubman with rear seats and rear side glass removed to create a panel van.

It's cute, sure, but Mini's assertion that the "exterior design cuts a distinctive figure" is perhaps stretching things a little. The side-hinged rear doors and extra right-hand-side door of the Clubman should prove useful in a van, however.

Inside, it's familiar Mini fare, aside from the flat load area in the rear, which features six attachment loops, a fixed partition grille and side walls, floor and roof lining trimmed in anthracite-coloured cloth.

Only one question remains: is this a sensible twist on the Clubman them, or another case of Mini stretching its brand to breaking point? You, dear PHer, must decide...