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Mini Clubman Concept Brings Six Doors to Geneva

No more suicide doors. That’s what the MINI Clubman Concept is preparing for Geneva. As previewed by the Clubman spyshots, MINI’s largest creation gets a set of normal doors at the back instead of the singe suicide one used by the outgoing model. Nonetheless, the Brit keeps the two rear doors, so, for those keeping count, we have a total of six.
Mini Clubman Concept 5 photos
Photo: MINI
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Body

Yes, that is correct, we said MINI’s largest model - the Clubman has now grown, becoming the heftiest presence in the carmaker’s range. To be more precise, the Concept is 260 mm (10.2 inches) longer than the Clubman we knew, measuring 4,223 mm (166.3 inches) in total. At 1,844 mm (72.6 inches) in width, it’s also 170 mm (6.7 inches) wider, while height has grown by 25 mm (1 inch) to 1,450 mm (57 inches).

We can’t help but compare the MINI Clubman Concept to the new Cooper and, to our eyes, the first is a much better visual effort. It simply seems to pull a more composed design act. The headlights look a tad strange, just like those of the Cooper, but the Clubman Concept has a prettier fascia.

The rear side of the Concept isn’t something to ignore either. Those big-eyed taillights are sure to make the Clubman an easily recognisable presence, even from the distance.

Of course, since this is not yet a production model, MINI has played with certain elements that will most likely be lost on the way to the production line. For instance, the wheels of the actual car are probably going to use a tamer way of expressing themselves

Cabin

As for the use of that extra space, Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, explains the 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."

van Hooydonk may be on to something here, as the sketch of the cabin reveals something that’s alsways been missing with MINIs - truly impressive materials. Aside from this, the dashbaord has plenty of digital display areas. This falls in perfectly with the MINI spirit and by that we’re referring to the fact that you’ll probably going to be able to personalise your digital dash. At least that’s what we hope.

Schedule

Not too long after the MINI Clubman Concept’s launch at the Geneva Motor Show 2014, we’re expecting to see a production model landing in both Europe and America.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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