BERLIN: The arrival of the latest MINI Clubman heralds the start of a brand repositioning  and a new corporate design for the BMW-owned company.

MINI also announced a built-in car-sharing option at the event here today. In addition, it will trim its line-up of eight models to five, with each so-called “superhero” being developed to its maximum potential.

MINI officials declined to name the models that would be axed but said the ever popular hatch will join the Clubman as well as open-top version to form part of the five starring ensemble. But reports from other sources have indicated that the Paceman, Roadster and Coupe are on the chopping block.

The latest MINI is a new interpretation of the tradition-steeped shooting brake concept adapted to the demands of the compact class for the first time.



Gone now is the club door on the right; the biggest ever MINI now sports four regular doors by popular demand, while retaining the two barn doors at the rear.

It has Air Curtain inlets at the front wheel arches, first seen in the BMW 4 Series, a stretched silhouette and a shoulder contour that emphasises the car's width. The long roof line has fin antenna with red alarm system status light.

The steep rear comes with characteristic split doors, Clubman model inscription and horizontal lights.

The interior has been totally revised with a broad instrument panel with cockpit facia frame in upper section; instrument cluster on the steering column and an integrated circular central instrument with LED lighting ring and display for vehicle, infotainment, phone and navigation functions.

MINI said the 6-door wagon offers the highest level of everyday practicality, long distance suitability, versatility and ride comfort in a MINI.

At 4.25m long, the Clubman is 27cm longer and 9cm wider than the MINI 5 door, and its wheelbase is 10cm larger. Its luggage compartment has a volume of 360 litres, which can be extended to as much as 1 250 litres by folding down the rear backrest with its 40 : 20 : 40 split. Compared to the Countryman, it is also lower, wider and sportier.

The car and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer are based on BMW’s versatile UKL (unter klasse in German or lower compact car) platform and shares technology with the MINI Hardtop.



The 5-seat Clubman will come in three engine variants with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology at market launch.

A 4-cylinder 150hp/330Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine (Cooper D Clubman),  a 4-cylinder 192hp/300Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine (Cooper S Clubman), and a 136hp/220Nm 3-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine (Cooper Clubman) will be available at launch.

A more powerful diesel Clubman and a JCW version are expected later. MINI has also suggested a plug-in hybrid is on the drawing board.

An 8-speed Steptronic transmission is available as an option for the Cooper S Clubman and the Cooper D Clubman in place of 6-speed Steptronic automatic. The Clubman can be specified with a 6-speed manual.

All suspension components were also specially developed to suit the model, which is fitted with a single-joint strut front axle and a multilink rear axle.



 

The new Clubman also offers numerous features that appear in the brand for the first time. These include the electric parking brake, the electrical seat adjustment function available as a special equipment feature and the option MINI Yours Interior Styles with backlit door bezels.

The MINI Excitement Package comprises LED interior and ambient lighting as well as a projection of the MINI logo onto the ground from the exterior mirror on the driver's side when the car is opened and closed. Another new feature that is unique within the competitive field is the Comfort Access option including non-contact opening of the split doors at the rear. Other options available include LED headlamps, the MINI Driving Modes and Dynamic Damper Control.

The standard trim of the new Clubman includes such features as electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, air conditioning, a rain sensor with automatic driving lights control, the MINI Radio including AUX-IN socket and USB interface as well as a Bluetooth hands-free phone facility.



A wide range of options in the areas of comfort, functionality and individuality are available to allow drivers to match the car to their own style. In addition to a 2-zone automatic air conditioning, a seat heating for driver and front passenger and a visibility package including windscreen heating, there is also a panorama glass roof with a 120cm long glass surface.

A new optional equipment package will enable MINI customers to share their MINI with others. MINI customers can make their vehicle available to DriveNow when not in use. This is also an attractive feature for fleet customers, enabling optimum use of fleet vehicles. This option will initially be available in the US in 2016 and later in DriveNow cities. In a further step, MINI will also enable a new form of vehicle lending (“peer-to-peer car sharing”) for a defined circle of family and friends.



MINI also highlighted that its new look – a two-dimensional logo, new typography and new tonality – is a combination of clear, emotional design with a focus on the essential.

The new Clubman also signals MINI’s entry into the premium compact class. The extension of the product strategy into the premium small car and compact class relies on a common front-wheel-drive architecture for different models and brands.

MINI believes that the Clubman is entering the market segment that promises the strongest growth in the future. It cited market studies that forecast annual growth of four per cent for the premium compact segment, which will account for more than 27% of the total global passenger car market by 2020.

The Clubman first appeared in 1969. The original classic Mini model was still available and the newly developed car that bore the name of Clubman was positioned above it within the brand family. With a clear and sturdy-looking body design and a front section that now sported a broad radiator grille, it was offered as the Mini Clubman Estate. With split doors and extended transport capacity, this body variant replaced the models Morris Mini Traveller and Austin Seven Countryman, of which more than 200 000 had been already been sold by this time.

The Clubman, to be showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September goes on sale in Europe by the end of October from around 20,000 pounds (RM119,000). It will make its way to Malaysia by the second quarter of 2016.

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