MINI Clubvan Concept to launch at Geneva Show
MINI is undertaking another adventure – into vans.
This great-looking Concept, called the MINI Clubvan Concept, recalls the Morris Mini Van of the sixties but in a bang-up-to-date format that should suit small business owners down to the ground.
MINI plans to unveil the Clubvan Concept at the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of March. And although it’s called a Concept, expect it to see production soon if past MINI Concepts are anything to go by.
According to MINI, the “Clubvan Concept opens the door to a completely new market for MINI – premium small businesses who want to combine sharp driving dynamics with low cost of ownership, while also making a style statement with their company van.”
Based on the Clubman, the MINI van features just two seats, the area behind the fixed partition grille, made from solid aluminium in the lower part and a stainless steel honeycombe grating, is given over to the load carrying space.
The side walls, floor and roof lining of the load area in the Clubvan Concept are trimmed in high-quality anthracite-coloured cloth. Further practicality is provided by six attachment loops, which are recessed into the load floor, that can hold cargo in place with elasticated straps.
Access to the load area can be made by the two side-hinged rear doors and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side.
Just like the MINI Clubman, the Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two side-hinged rear doors and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side all create useful access. The Clubdoor gives owners the option of loading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.
The generous levels of space on board the concept car can be customised to suit the needs of the customer, for example, tools and goods can be stored neatly and securely in made-to-measure drawers or shelving units. 12-volt plug sockets in the load compartment also provide additional practicality.
Of course, the great appeal of this MINI Clubvan Concept to small businesses is the MINI’s styling itself.
The Concept shown here is finished in British Racing Green paintwork, while the rear side windows are opaque with polycarbonate sections painted in the car’s body colour, which make it useful for signwriting. The rear doors feature heavily tinted glass to help conceal the contents of the interior.
It all adds up to one of the most exciting new vans to be launched for small businesses since the Citroen Nemo/Peugeot Bipper/Fiat Fiorino trio. We can’t wait for the concept to become reality!
