MINI is, once again, enlarging their offerings with the latest one, the MINI Clubman Concept, looking beefier with four-doors. Yep, MINI ditched the one tiny, reverse-opening door for two proper-sized doors. Sure, this MINI Clubman Concept is not the production vehicle, but it’s a close approximation.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 25, 2014… At the 2014 Geneva Auto Show MINI presents the MINI Clubman Concept, showcasing a new brand philosphy for a higher class of automobile.
“According to MINI, the new MINI Clubman Concept is: “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 color 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.”
Has MINI lost its way with keeping things on the small? Not according to the BMW Group. In fact, what you’re seeing in the MINI Clubman Concept is a window into MINI’s future.
“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 centimeters longer and just under 17 centimeters 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 colors and materials, it offers an overall experience which remains unique in this segment to date.”
The interior of the MINI Clubman Concept is emblematic of where the BMW Group wants to take MINI’s interior design. It’s beginning to look more BMW and less MINI, for a certain perspective. Still, the overall design is still MINIs and it looks rather inviting for a concept.
Having the split rear doors is one of the hints that the MINI Clubman Concept’s overall design is to be a replacement for the current Clubman. It’s also the only design element the new and last generation’s Clubman have in common.
The MINI Clubman Concept will debut at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show.
Check out this fun video of a different type of premium, European (sourced) ride!
