Photo: CarPix
Last year, when the MINI Clubman Concept was first introduced at Geneva, we really didn’t know what to make of it. We loved every bit but, in truth, it was a bit on the plus side. Now, as long as that doesn’t translate into a seriously overweight car, we’re cool with it.
Our spy photographers caught up with yet another prototype of the upcoming ‘6-door’ car and we have to admit that the interior shows some prospect. Unfortunately, it’s nowhere near to what the concept showed us but signs are promising.
Compared to the rest of the lineup, the Clubman’s cabin seems to have dropped the circular air vents in favor of some rectangular ones. That’s the first detail that hits you and it’s not necessarily bad-looking either.
On top of that, we can also notice that the center stack has a different design that doesn’t necessarily exude luxury but gets the job done. After all, we seem to be looking at a more spartan model here, one that isn’t decked with all the newest tech as you can see.
There’s no navigation screen and the materials used seem to be on the cheap side of things. Furthermore, the conventional handbrake also seems to be missing, being replaced by an electric one. Even so, the revamp of the design does seem like a good idea.
As far as the body goes, don’t expect huge changes compared to the hardtop. The front end will most likely be extremely close in styling and the same number of doors will be noticeable on the sides as on the 5-door hatch. However, this is a Clubman and the difference will be made by the size of the thing and the two barn-style doors at the back.
On the engine front, don’t expect any changes: the same 1.5-liter and 2-liter mills fed with petrol or diesel are going to be used. However, it will be interesting to see if a JCW alternative will be offered. Expect the production-ready Clubman to be shown in full at Geneva in March.
Compared to the rest of the lineup, the Clubman’s cabin seems to have dropped the circular air vents in favor of some rectangular ones. That’s the first detail that hits you and it’s not necessarily bad-looking either.
On top of that, we can also notice that the center stack has a different design that doesn’t necessarily exude luxury but gets the job done. After all, we seem to be looking at a more spartan model here, one that isn’t decked with all the newest tech as you can see.
There’s no navigation screen and the materials used seem to be on the cheap side of things. Furthermore, the conventional handbrake also seems to be missing, being replaced by an electric one. Even so, the revamp of the design does seem like a good idea.
As far as the body goes, don’t expect huge changes compared to the hardtop. The front end will most likely be extremely close in styling and the same number of doors will be noticeable on the sides as on the 5-door hatch. However, this is a Clubman and the difference will be made by the size of the thing and the two barn-style doors at the back.
On the engine front, don’t expect any changes: the same 1.5-liter and 2-liter mills fed with petrol or diesel are going to be used. However, it will be interesting to see if a JCW alternative will be offered. Expect the production-ready Clubman to be shown in full at Geneva in March.
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