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Mini gets the Clubman treatment E-mail
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Wednesday, 08 August 2007
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Mini gets the Clubman treatment
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BMW Ireland has announced that the new Mini Clubman will go on sale here in November next. 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.

Available from launch in three engine variants: Cooper D, Cooper and Cooper S, the new model offers flexible use of space, easier access through innovative door concepts, more space for rear passengers and high levels of safety and customization options, all without compromising the Mini's driving dynamics.

The new car takes inspiration and styling cues from the Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate, which enjoyed widespread success in the 1960s. Combining enhanced functionality and versatility, the new Mini Clubman nevertheless stays true to the Mini design language with the retention of short body overhangs, wide track, a long wheelbase and the high shoulder line rising towards the rear.

The new Mini Clubman is 24cm longer than the Hatch, signifying 8cm more legroom for rear passengers and the opportunity for 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 innovative Clubdoor on the right-hand side.

Modern high-performance engines, designed specifically for the 2nd generation Mini, feature new improvements to optimize fuel economy and emission management. Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and a Gearshift Point Indicator are standard on all variants and helps the Mini Cooper D Clubman to achieve a low emissions figure of 109 g/km C02.

The two piece split-door is a modern interpretation of an authentic detail found on the Mini's classic forerunners. Hinging at the outside, the rear doors open up to the left and right offering convenient access to the rear. To ensure clear visibility at all times the two doors come with separate windscreen wipers.

Access to the rear is facilitated by an additional door. The Clubdoor is hinged at the back on the right-hand side of the car and opens against the direction of travel. For safety reasons, this door can only be opened when the front door is open. The Clubdoor does not require an outside door handle and therefore blends smoothly into the body of the Clubman.

The Mini Clubman is the same width as the Hatch model and approximately two centimetres higher. The rear light clusters on the Mini Clubman are a new design for this model. Sweeping slightly to the inside at the top, the design replicates the exterior lines of the car as seen from the rear.


 
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