Share

Mini’s VW Caddy fighter

MUNICH, Germany - Mini's hopes to up the ante in the small family car market by combining conflicting profiles - MPV practicality coupled with radical styling. The new Clubvan concept, based on the Clubman, will make its debut at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show 2012.

Much like Hyundai's new H1 Multicab, you'll notice the Clubvan sports a closed-off load area behind front seats. Mini hopes its new concept model will attract those in need of a mom's taxi or a stylish workhorse for their small business.

The British automaker says the new model might be perfect for a fashion designer, art gallery owner or event caterer, since it load bay can carry all your kit while still looking the part...or alternatively you could just buy a larger panel van even if its social faux pas.

In the 1960's the British automaker decided to take on the small business car market, with the introduction of its Morris Mini Van and four-seat Morris Mini Traveller.
Mini Clubvan

MINI WORKHORSE: Two seats, four doors, endless potential? While it's certainly a striking looking car especially with its British race-green paintjob, we have to wonder why someone wouldn't just splash out on a more practical vehicle for a workhorse.

More than 50 years later Mini's successful Clubman and now Clubvan Concept hope to build on the brand's workhorse reputation.

The load area reaches from the split rear doors right up to the partition grille behind the two seats and exceeds the load capacity of the Clubman.

Six tie-down points are located in the load compartment to stop your kit from sliding around and the partition grille ensures that items stowed in the load compartment cannot find their way into the front seats.

The lower section of the partition is made from aluminium, while the upper section consists of a silver-coloured stainless steel honeycomb grating.

The side walls and floor of the load compartment are trimmed in high-quality anthracite-coloured cloth. The anthracite roof liner, meanwhile, extends the full length of the interior.
Mini Clubvan

CLASSIC MINI VAN: Mini's new Clubvan concept is a hat-tip to the 1960s Morris Mini Van.

Access to the rear compartment is via two side-hinged doors and the rear can be accessed by the Clubdoor. The Clubdoor gives owners the option of loading or unloading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.

Sharing the exterior dimensions of the MINI Clubman and boasting, Mini's Clubvan concept will be the first premium model in the small car-based van segment.

The function-led design modifications have no impact on the car’s proportions and hallmark MINI design language.

The MINI Clubvan Concept comes with British racing green paintwork and as is a must for goods vehicles, the rear windows are opaque.

The sealed side windows bear the logo of a sign design company based in Britain and gives the new model a workhorse look.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()