Unlike most of the rest of the MINI range, there will be no S or John Cooper Works variants of the Clubvan. The cleared-out rear cargo area is complemented by blocked-out rear side windows with interior polycarbonate reinforcements, tinted glass in the rear doors, a flat load floor, carpeted side walls, 12-volt sockets in the cargo area, and a cargo-attachment system in the back.
Total space in the rear cargo area is 30.3 cubic feet, extending 44.8 inches long and 40.1 inches high. The maximum payload capacity for the MINI Clubvan is 816 pounds.
Cry no longer: Mini has revealed its production Clubvan (it first bowed as a concept at this year’s Geneva show), and boutique delivery services can bring the goods without embarrassing their clientele.
As the pioneer in the “premium compact delivery van” segment—there’s a niche for you—Mini pitches the Clubvan as offering modest hauling capabilities without compromising enjoyment behind the wheel. The differentiation (other than the single strength of powerplant on offer in the van versus 121-hp Cooper, 181-hp Cooper S, and 208-hp JCW flavors of Clubman) comes aft of the driver’s seats. The rear-facing windows are tinted.
If the standard black upholstered seats aren’t your thing—and we’re guessing they may not be if you’re considering a Mini delivery vehicle—you can upgrade to leather-trimmed or full-leather sport seats; further interior upgrades include leather for the dashboard and various trim finishes. Standard 15-inch wheels can be upgraded to 16- or 17-inchers.
In Europe, where it also will be offered, several automakers offer van-ified versions of vehicles in the Mini's size class.
The personality and hallmark driving fun of the MINI brand is coming to a whole new group of customers with the launch of the new MINI Clubvan.
Key to the Clubvan's appeal is its spacious load bay. The blocked-out rear side windows are body-coloured and feature interior polycarbonate reinforcement. Combined with tinted glass in the rear doors, it means the load compartment is both secure and concealed from prying eyes.
In common with all MINIs, the Clubvan will offer owners outstanding driving dynamics. Three versions will be available; the 72 kW/98 hp MINI One Clubvan, the 90 kW/122 hp MINI Cooper Clubvan and the 82 kW/112 hp MINI Cooper D Clubvan.
All come with MINI's familiar front-wheel-drive set-up, Electric Power Steering, MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and powerful brakes. It's 3,961 mm long, 1,683 mm wide and 1,426 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,547 mm.
The Clubvan is the seventh unique member of the MINI family, selling alongside the Clubman, Hatch, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe and Roadster.
It is the first commercial vehicle to be offered since the MINI brand was relaunched under BMW's ownership in 2001. The new Clubvan is bringing that tradition of MINI practicality right up to date, while adding the brand's modern values of outstanding driving performance, high standard specification and exceptional style.
The MINI Clubvan is available in four exterior colours - Pepper White, Ice Blue, British Racing Green metallic and Midnight Black metallic. The roof, rear side window area, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps are body-coloured on all versions. The standard 15-inch Delta-spoke alloy wheels, which are exclusive to the MINI Clubvan, can be replaced by alternative 15, 16 or 17-inch alloy wheel designs.
Inside, black seats with Cosmos fabric upholstery, a black interior colour scheme and Fine White Silver trim strips are standard. Options include black sports seats, which are available in Ray Cloth/Leather, Punch Leather or Lounge Leather.
The MINI Clubvan brings a new blend of sophistication and style to the business sector.
Retail prices, excluding VAT:
MINI One Clubvan: £11,175
MINI Cooper Clubvan: £12,475
MINI Cooper D Clubvan: £13,600