Monday 20th February 2012

Mini Reveals Clubvan concept

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

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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...

 

Is Mini's concept as good as...	...our attempt? We think not...

 

[E30Addict]

For all it will be derided, I know which I'd prefer if offered this or a Corsa van...

[paulmon]

Of all the Mini spin offs I think this one actually works.

[Skater12]

If they've done away with the stupid "suicide one side only rear door" then this could be a good thing, as the standard Clubman never needed it anyway, and it could mean a change to that car.
I'd actually consider buying a standard Clubman if they ditched the stupid side door thing.

Also, I live in Brighton, so with all the quirky companies here, i'm sure i'll see a few of the vans driving around if the model gets the go ahead.

[Jag-D]

I dislike the BMW Mini, but I think that works.

[kambites]

Well I can't see it competing for fleet sales against something like a Transit connect which is of course massively bigger and probably (knowing MINI's pricing strategy) cheaper. I suppose it'll sell to self-employed people who need a small van which they run as their only vehicle and will want something vaguely stylish to drive around it.

I think the styling works as well as anything in the mini range, and better than most.

[Ex Boy Racer]

Utterly, utterly pointless. I suppose they'll sell bucketloads.

[mrdelmonti]

Looks quite good, but it's pricing that will dictate if it cuts it as a van or not.

[E30Addict]

mrdelmonti said:

Looks quite good, but it's pricing that will dictate if it cuts it as a van or not.

[Garlick]

Like it. Like it a lot. I think this actually deserves to do well, and would love to see them in the cities working hard.

What it needs though is a nice small derv, some flat paint, vinyl seats and steel wheels to make it viable. I'm not saying they shouldn't offer a flashy version for those that want it, I'm just hoping we see a working example too.

[louiebaby]

One thing that really struck me about the Clubman was hos little extra space was gained over a regular Mini.

This van won't hold a lot, but it will probably be useful for the "Commercial" nature, for tax purposes, and if you don't need to carry much, you don't need a big van.

[kambites]

louiebaby said:

This van won't hold a lot, but it will probably be useful for the "Commercial" nature, for tax purposes, and if you don't need to carry much, you don't need a big van.

Agreed. It looks to me as if that "load area" is probably about the same size as the boot of a mid-sized estate car with the seats up.

[filski666]

does it have suitable load carrying capacity to make it a bona fide "commercial vehicle" - in which case it is wonderful for the old company car without getting bent over by the taxman and therefore a wonderful idea by BMW (in terms of sales)


...not my cup of tea though

[DanDC5]

Another month another MINI......

[elephantstone]

I already started a thread about this, i really fancy one.

[anonymous-user]

Not bad actually, not bad at all.

[BigTom85]

bks, I hit rate it before choosing a rating. It deserves more than 5

I do quite like the idea to be honest.

[louiebaby]

kambites said:

louiebaby said:

This van won't hold a lot, but it will probably be useful for the "Commercial" nature, for tax purposes, and if you don't need to carry much, you don't need a big van.

Agreed. It looks to me as if that "load area" is probably about the same size as the boot of a mid-sized estate car with the seats up.

If I was offered a diesel Focus or one of these as a company car, I might well be tempted.

[theJT]

It looks strangely retro to me, far more so than the regular bmw "mini"... Possibly that's just the colour scheme and the sign writing tho.

[Madmatt74]

I think we all know it will do well.

But how much?

I suspect it will be priced much higher than a normal van so it doesnt damage the BMW/Mini image.

Shame as i'm sure my engineers would jump at the chance to ditch thier estate cars.

I'll look forward to seeing loads in London.

[NHRacingCrew]

It will sell well!

Any news on a Diesel S model?