Clubman Officially Released

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Unique Five-Door MINI Clubman echoes original Mini Traveller

MINI Canada is pleased to announce today that a distinctive new model, the MINI Clubman, will join the MINI lineup in the first quarter of 2008.
The MINI Clubman is poised to expand the MINI brand family with the introduction of two versions of a completely unique configuration based on the legendary “shooting brake” classics, the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman, and the Mini Clubman Estate which rounded out the model family of the original Mini, the grandfather of all compact cars, back in the 1960s.

The MINI Cooper S Clubman will be equipped with the new MINI four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, introduced in February of 2007 in the new MINI Cooper S. With a capacity of 1598cc, maximum output of 172horsepower at 5500rpm, and maximum torque of 177 lb-ft at 1600 – 5000rpm, the MINI Cooper S Clubman inherits performance characteristics fully in keeping with its “S” badge.

The MINI Cooper Clubman will be powered by the new MINI four-cylinder gasoline engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology, which also debuted in February of 2007 in the new MINI Cooper. The MINI Cooper Clubman, with a capacity of 1598cc, will have a maximum output of 118horsepower at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 114 lb-ft at 4,250rpm.

Innovative Five-Door body configuration
While instantly recognizable as a new-generation MINI from the front, the MINI Clubman takes on a character all it’s own starting immediately behind the B-pillar. Featuring a lengthened roofline that extends over all three pillars, a significantly longer cabin that integrates smoothly into striking rear quarters and culminating in two rear-opening doors with unique outside hinging mechanisms.

The rear doors pivot from a point in front of the taillights, providing a wide opening aperture for optimum access to the generous cargo compartment. Each rear door is equipped with its own windshield wiper and the entire rear opening is trimmed with an attractive frame colour-matched to a wide range of available roof colours. As an option the MINI Clubman is also available with the roof finished in body colour, in which case only the C-pillars including the upper section of the bumpers are finished in contrasting Silver or Black paintwork, thus maintaining the striking look of the rear door frame on all versions of the MINI Clubman.

With an additional 24 cm in length versus the MINI Cooper & Cooper S, wheelbase and legroom at the rear of the MINI Clubman are increased by 8 cm and boasts a luggage compartment capacity of 260–930 litres (9.1–32.6 cu ft) with the rear-seat backrest folded down.

In conjunction with the “split-door” rear configuration, the Clubdoor, a truly signature design characteristic of the MINI Clubman, adds interest and functionality to the passenger side of the vehicle, turning the MINI Clubman into a very distinct five-door model. The Clubdoor, a second, handle-free door behind the right front door, opens to the rear, facilitating comfortable and convenient access to the rear seats. For safety reasons, the Clubdoor can only be opened when the partnered front door is also open.

More than 30 colour combinations enhance personalization choices

The MINI Clubman offers the enthusiast even greater options in customizing their car and personal style, with more than 30 combinations of exterior paintwork alone. This considerable freedom of expression is further enhanced by a wide range of accessories and a great selection of options and special equipment geared specifically to the MINI Clubman.

Hot Chocolate, a particularly emotional metallic colour, is reserved exclusively to the MINI Clubman. Indeed, this special colour is particularly elegant in combination with the roof in body colour and a silver frame around the rear.
In all, the MINI Clubman is available in no less than 12 body colours – the three non-metallic colours of Chili Red, Pepper White and Mellow Yellow, as well as the additional metallic colours of Astro Black, Sparkling Silver, British Racing Green, Pure Silver, Lightning Blue, Nightfire Red, Dark Silver, and Laser Blue over and above Hot Chocolate.

Inheriting all of the latest-generation drivetrain, suspension and brake systems from the MINI Cooper and Cooper S stablemates, the MINI Clubman naturally inherits all the driving and performance virtues of the MINI family, with legendary go-kart feeling inseparably linked to the MINI brand since inception.

“The new MINI Clubman is a thoroughly modern interpretation of an iconic classic. The Clubman paves the way for a brand-new segment in the market, while the MINI family continues to define the premium small car concept and underlines its leadership in technology and design” stated Stephen McDonnell, Director of MINI Canada.

[Jimbo]

Almost remind me of the Jeep Compass... Mini SUV.