Mini showcased a concept at the Geneva motor show that previews the new Mini Clubman, scheduled for international launch by end of this year.
While the exterior of the concept features some exaggerated proportions, it's also claimed to closely resemble the look of the production model. The new Clubman avoids the quirky layout of its predecessor as the single rear-hinged nearside door is binned in favour of a more conventional design with four front-hinged frameless doors. The traditional barn-style rear doors of its predecessors have been retained.
The new layout is aimed at introducing added levels of practicality and versatility to the Clubman in order to provide it with broader sales potential against premium-brand hatchback rivals.
Stretching to 4223mm in length, the latest Clubman is 262mm longer than the model it replaces. At 1844mm wide and 1450mm high, it is also 161mm wider and 24mm taller than before.
The added length, width and height make the new Clubman 126mm longer and 55mm wider than the existing Countryman — up until now Mini’s largest model — but 111mm lower due to its lesser ride height.
Among the flamboyant styling flourishes added to the concept are recessed headlights with daytime-running lights that form a continuous ring within the housing, so-called 'air curtains' to steer airflow around the wheel arches, 19-inch wheels and tyres, door mirror housings mounted on chromed arms and tail-lights that have been turned through 90 degrees to give greater horizontal emphasis to the rear end.
Inside, there’s a clean, sophisticated-looking dashboard which is claimed to point to how future Mini interiors will look. Premium materials including leather, various wood trims and chromed controls aim to provide the concept with an upmarket feel, although production versions will be rather less well appointed.
The centrepiece to the cabin is Mini’s traditional round centre dial, which houses a high-resolution screen. As with the new Mini hatchback, the main dials are housed within a dedicated instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The centre console between the front seats is elevated, placing the gearlever and controls higher than in existing Mini models.
The new Clubman is set to get a similar engine line-up to that of the smaller three-door hatchback, which is due to go on sale globally next month. Included in the range are 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel units in combination with either a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic gearbox.
Suraj Viswanathan
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
Lenny D'sa
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Ameya Dandekar
