Today at the International Automobile Salon in Geneva, MINI has announced that the next derivative in its model range will be called MINI Clubman. Based on a concept first shown in Frankfurt in 2005, a ‘Shooting Brake’ body-styled car will be on sale in the UK before the end of 2007.

The new car promises to be distinctive, yet authentically embody the MINI character. Offering more versatility without compromising the revered chassis of current Hatch models, the production version of the car is further evidence of MINI’s aim to break boundaries in car design.


Historically, ‘Shooting Brake’ models are so-called due to a combination of premium two-door styling, with added interior flexibility for owners leading active lifestyles. The new car takes inspiration and styling cues from the Morris Mini Traveller, which experienced widespread success between 1960-69.

The latest version of BMW's iconic Mini, the extended-length Clubman, will now debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November, rather than January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, according to MotoringFile. The vehicle will first be shown to the public at the Frankfurt show in September.

This will be the first season for the Los Angeles show to occur before the other major United States auto shows and already the Detroit show is losing some of its introductions. The first major U.S. auto show for manufacturers is the State Fair of Texas show, but it is generally reserved for truck introductions and special edition models, rather than all-new cars. The next big show has traditionally been Detroit in January, followed shortly thereafter by Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.

At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show MINI presents the MINI Clubman Concept, showcasing a new brand philosophy for a higher class of automobile. 26 centimeters longer and just under 17 centimeters wider than the current MINI Clubman, the Concept comes over as sophisticated, cool and elegant. The iconic design is supplemented by high-quality details, plenty of space for functional features and selected materials. Refinement of the hallmark MINI styling ensures instant recognition, both on the exterior and the interior. The extensive colour and material concept redefines contemporary elegance and high-end quality in this segment.

Four doors and five seats offer plenty of utility space, thereby supporting an active lifestyle.

Classic MINI design features such as the hexagonal radiator grille, Side Scuttles, the Black Band, short overhangs and elliptical front and rear headlights ensure high recognition value from every angle.

Length: 4223 mm, width: 1844 mm (not incl. mirror), height: 1450 mm.
Integrated aerodynamics as an essential part of the exterior design.

The interior design interprets typical MINI shapes and colours, presenting an effortless and elegant combination of high-end quality and functionality.
An elaborate colour and material concept in the interior with exclusive materials and unexpected details.

The Center Instrument with newly conceived user interface creates an event-controlled interaction space with touch operation.
A new class for the future of MINI.

"The MINI Clubman Concept shows how the MINI Clubman could be taken a step further: more interior space, a greater sense of high-end quality and yet still clever, bold and distinctive. In short: more car, more MINI," says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, explaining the approach to this model. For over 50 years now, MINI has stood for maximum use of minimum space. 26 centimetres longer and just under 17 centimetres wider than the current MINI Clubman, the MINI Clubman Concept applies this aspiration to a new class of automobile. As Head of MINI Design Anders Warming explains: "With the MINI Clubman Concept we are presenting a car with space, flair and style in a segment where the focus is mainly on function and utility. With clever ideas, emotional design and a cool blend of colours and materials, it offers an overall experience which remains unique in this segment to date."
Supreme, dynamic, elegant – the exterior design.

Even with larger exterior dimensions, the MINI Clubman Concept is instantly recognisable as a typical MINI. With the characteristic agility of the MINI proportions, the prolonged roof line clearly reflects the car's extensive utility space. It also gives the silhouette a distinctive elegance, underscored by generous surfaces. The powerful, warm Berry Red colour shows surfaces and shapes to optimum effect. The roof in the colour "Blade" - a metallic grey - creates an elegant contrast with the warm red of the corpus.

Classic MINI design icons such as the hexagonal radiator grille, Side Scuttles, Black Band and the typical lights are designed in precise, high-end style. The modern, reduced interpretation of these features gives the MINI Clubman Concept a more sophisticated, charismatic look. The themes of aerodynamics and air ducting are clearly highlighted in the exterior design. All openings and outlets are integrated in the geometry and elegantly shaped. Clearly defined wheel arches and the roof spoiler accentuate the car's dynamic appearance, underscoring the overall impression of sporty flair.

Typical MINI in every detail - the front section.

Seen from the front, the circular headlamps, hexagonal radiator grille and roof with add-on look clearly identify the MINI Clubman Concept as belonging to the MINI family. The radiator grille is strikingly elaborated and incorporates the bumper in the front section. The bumper is finished in Black Chrome, adding a touch of exclusive style to this functional element. Elaborate details such as the three-dimensional structure of the chrome ribs inside the front grille further enhance the front section. The high quality standards of the MINI Clubman Concept even extend to the surface modelling. Fine edges add precision and presence to the generous surfaces.

In the lower area of the front-end design there is a continuous air inlet which highlights the breadth of the MINI Clubman Concept, thereby emphasising its solid standing on the road. Meanwhile a finely wrought chrome rib appears to hover inside the air inlet, giving this sporty detail a touch of exclusive appeal. In the outer section of the front apron there are so-called AirCurtains - an aerodynamic feature that gives the wheel arches an aerodynamically optimised closure. These dynamically surround the lower part of the front section like two brackets.

Plenty of space for characteristic dynamism - the side.

Reduced to the essentials, the side view instantly conveys the qualities of the MINI Clubman Concept: a long wheelbase, flatly positioned windows and short overhangs reflect characteristic MINI agility. At the same time, the long roof line and the typical two-box design clearly emphasise the car's high level of functionality and its generous utility space. Meanwhile the four doors reflect the extended exterior dimensions and increased functionality. Generous surface expanses elongate the side, while at the same time subtle surface modelling and precise lines make the silhouette appear flat and dynamic. Three chrome elements give the side section a sense of exclusivity with modern understatement. At the front, the Side Scuttle incorporates the filigree mirror base and turn indicator in an elongated element whose shape is echoed by the two electrical door openers. Integrated flush with the surface, these draw a line back to the rear which is taken up by the rear door handles. Above this, the surrounding shoulder line in chrome offsets the corpus of the car from the greenhouse and roof in hallmark MINI style. This so-called Waistline Finisher embraces the entire passenger cell, reinforcing the exterior graphics so typical of the brand. The 19" light alloy rims in bicolour Black Chrome and Chrome finish are the highlight of the side view. A clear cup formation gives the elaborate multi-spoke design a highly dynamic touch. In between, glossy accents are added by non-cupped polished surfaces.

Aerodynamic details for optimum air ducting.

The MINI Clubman Concept is the first MINI to be fitted with a so-called AirBreather at the side. The AirBreather echoes the design theme of the AirCurtains in the front apron, cutting dynamically into the surrounding Black Band. The elaborate double roof spoiler at the rear is shown to best advantage from the top view. The third brake light is integrated in between the two wings of the roof spoilers in Formula 1 style. There are also two longitudinal sections of plexiglass which run across the entire length of the roof like rally stripes. In conjunction with the roof spoiler, this means that the distinctive dynamic air typical of MINI is applied to the MINI Clubman Concept from a bird's-eye perspective, too.

Typical MINI Clubman: split doors for increased loading convenience - the rear.

The MINI Clubman Concept is broad and athletic in the rear view. The familiar MINI cascading - a staggering of multiple layers - gives the automobile a very solid standing and a muscular wheel orientation when seen from the rear. The most striking rear elements are the characteristic split doors. The typical continuous door frame is no longer made of sheet metal. The door graphic itself provides the frame surrounding the entire rear section like a discreet bracket. This newly elaborated design gives the whole rear a reduced, modern appearance. The horizontally positioned rear lights have a highly detailed finish. Their shape underscores the car's broad standing and the dynamic orientation of the rear section. Selected chrome accents such as the "Clubman" inscription, the MINI emblem on the left-hand door and the door handles are specific details which emphasise the high-quality aspiration of the MINI Clubman Concept.

As in the front section, the aerodynamically optimised bumper finishes off the rear to the road.

Exclusivity and function interpreted in contemporary style - the interior design.

Along with the exterior, the interior of the MINI Clubman Concept has also grown to larger dimensions. With four doors and five fully-fledged seats, the MINI Clubman Concept offers plenty of space for the pursuit of an active lifestyle.

The new dimensions are brought to life by means of generous surfaces and more sophisticated spatial effect. The underlying design theme in the interior is the characteristic ellipse. Precise and contoured in its shaping, it comes over as more sophisticated while clearly displaying its origins. Around the ellipses, the interaction between several levels and surfaces adds lightness and a three-dimensional feel to the interior.

The unusual materials are especially worthy of mention: nubuck leather in a light Sky Blue, patent leather in rich Berry Red and black soft nappa leather ensure an exclusive interior atmosphere which is highly expressive. In between, elements in patinised silver add high-end accentuations. The patina gives them the character of familiar, fondly used items. Decorative strips in blue limed ash grain convey cool, modern elegance. The two highly expressive fabrics Tweed Grey and Black Twill set an attractive counterpoint to the classic value attributes of wood, leather, silver, thereby creating the familiar MINI interior experience. Small details such as the buttons with Union Jack embossment on the seats and central console, contrast stitching, piping or red accentuation surfaces in the sunblinds which only appear when these are folded down all add a touch of surprise to the mature character of the MINI Clubman Concept.

High-end sophistication and presence - the instrument panel.

The interior element of the MINI Clubman Concept with the most powerful presence is the leather-covered instrument panel. With a surround in blue limed ash grain and a white porcelain finish, the black upper section of the instrument panel has a hovering appearance. Indirect rear lighting of the gap reinforces this impression and gives the area in front of the driver and front passenger an extremely high-end ambience. The linear air vents have patinised, silver-plated surrounds. Between the air vents there is an area in Black Chrome which can be back-lit if required that provides additional information for the driver and front passenger. The suggested "Faded Diamonds" rhombus pattern gives the Black Chrome surface a particularly high-quality structure. The lower section of the instrument panel is finished in Berry Red patent leather, providing an extrovert yet sophisticated contrast to the more discreet design of the upper half.

Multi-layered and light - the door design.

The newly interpreted ellipse in the side runs dynamically across the two doors to create a visual link between front and rear. The armrests in blue nubuck leather appear to hover in the doors, while behind them there are practical storage compartments. The decorative surfaces in the doors have indirect backlighting to underscore the inviting, contemporary ambience. The side mirrors and roof liner recede discreetly into the background due to use of high-quality fabric Tweed Grey in salt-and-pepper look, while the quality weave of the fabric Black Twill with classic black-and-white contrast on the floor and mats makes for an elegant finish.

The concept of spatial function in the rear is rounded off with clever storage facilities in the split doors as well as a double load floor. The pouches in the doors are elaborately fitted with nubuck leather in Silk White. They are placed within convenient reach and help make optimum use of space in the luggage compartment. The double load floor provides additional storage capacity.
Intelligent controls.

The display area in the centre console (160mm x 150mm) adapts according to the content selected or the situation on the road. Three "intelligent" toggles are assigned the relevant content according to selected content or driving functions. Above and beyond this, the three toggles can also be freely programmed and assigned particular functions according preference. The haptic quality of the toggles means that the various functions can be operated during travel without looking. Here the MINI Clubman Concept has taken classic operating elements that have been a part of MINI for 55 years and consistently advanced them.

Which Mini Clubman review is this?

This is the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman. We’ll call it the Clubman JCW for short. It sees Mini’s most potent engine powering its biggest car, with ‘ALL4’ all-wheel-drive as standard. Prices start at a whisker under £30,000.

So it’s a hot hatch estate?

In essence, though the Clubman’s not-large boot and novelty doors mean this isn’t likely to oust a small Volvo from the shopping lists of the practically minded. So think of this more as a rival to larger hot hatchbacks than Mini’s usual hunting ground. Given its AWD and £30k price, that would suggest this is aiming straight for the VW Golf R.

How do the numbers compare?

In that particular comparison, not ideally, but then Mini JCWs traditionally compete a little lower down the hot hatch pecking order. So a 228bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 1,550kg to move around (the addition of AWD is not a subtle one) means performance is, by class standards, a touch modest. The 0-62mph time is 6.3secs, its top speed 148mph.

Those figures are true whether you opt for the standard six-speed manual or the £1,600 optional eight-speed automatic, though the paddleshifter returns better fuel economy, with a claimed 41.5mpg supplemented by 154g/km CO2 emissions. Probably want the manual if you favour a bit of driver engagement, though.

And how does it drive?

Interestingly. It’s worth recapping on the old Clubman JCW. As the fastest, most expensive version of a deeply odd small estate car, it was about as niche as things got when it launched. But if you wanted something wildly different, it was good enough to warrant attention. And its longer wheelbase over a JCW hatch made it a marginally better handling car, too.

This new one isn’t anything like as mad. The Clubman as a whole has notably matured with this new, more conventional generation, and is far and away the most composed car in Mini’s range.

And this is true of the JCW, too. It rides pretty comfortably, the steering is calm and measured – Mini’s usual setup is hyper alert – and the overall handling balance is safe and reassuring. It grips properly in poor conditions. The Golf R comparison is back on the table.

‘Calm’? Isn’t this a JCW?

In the ten or so years we’ve had JCW-badged Minis in our lives, the badge has gained a reputation for slightly mad, frenetic cars that take some hanging onto when driven hard, particularly in crap weather. The Clubman’s stockier proportions and torque-spreading AWD turn that on its head.

It’s a point rammed home by its performance. JCWs have always been rather faster than you’d expect a Mini to be. The Clubman weighs 270kg more than an identically powered hatch, though, and boy does it feel it.

A real world test – third gear, 30mph, foot to the floor, leaving a village into national speed limit – is a very telling example of how much the power-to-weight ratio has suffered. The engine makes plenty of noise, but you don’t move quite as boisterously as you’d hope.

So what would be the fix?

Mini making a front-wheel-drive version, perhaps. The best Minis – the sold-out JCW Challenge, and Works GP versions of previous Minis – are FWD at its most fun, and proof that being pulled rather than pushed around a corner can still be extremely exciting.

While the AWD system beneath this Clubman is undoubtedly clever – front-driven most of the time, with the rear helping out or even taking over completely when the car senses slip – I think it rounds off the edges too much, as well as adding too much weight.

This is a JCW that isn’t daft. Or unreasonably fast. Mini’s made the quick Clubman significantly less niche, but in the process, I think that’s made it harder to make a case for buying one. The Golf R needn’t look over its shoulder.

What about the rest of it?

It feels like a real quality item now, the Clubman. The rearmost doors still take some getting used to, and its boot space isn’t much larger than in a regular five-door Focus. But there’s enough room in the back for adults under six feet, while the materials, infotainment and the availability of grown-up safety tech all impress. Mini’s head-up display is particularly good.

Grown-up praise, then, for what feels like a grown-up car. If you want a quickish Clubman, though, the £6,500 cheaper Cooper S is probably a better bet.

If you want a JCW that remains mad as a badger – for all the right reasons – then get the hatch and spend your spare cash (£6,500 in this instance, too) on buying some of the official Works bits to pretend you’ve got the brilliant limited-edition Mini Challenge.