Fashion designers, boutique cake bakers and art gallery owners rejoice. This could be your next company car runabout.
Introducing the new MINI Clubvan concept and it’s coming to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.
It’s basically a MINI Clubman with the rear windows boarded up. Oh, and a man called Hugh has scribbled his name on it.
So How Does It Differ From The Clubman?
To be fair, MINI has done rather more than replace the rear windows with polycarbonate panels
The wheelbase has been stretched by 10 cm.
The rear seats have been removed to provide a loading space with a completely flat floor.
A stainless steel load bay partition has been installed to protect the driver from flying chocolate eclairs during an emergency stop.
There’s also a 12V charging socket, six load attachment points and dark cloth lining in the back.
The end result should be a vehicle that’s much more practical than the Clubman on which it is based.
Even the reverse opening driver’s-side “Clubdoor” begins to make sense, allowing drivers the choice of loading items from the side of the car or through the twin rear doors.
BMW claims that it’s “a compact lifestyle van for business and leisure – the first concept of its kind in the premium segment”.
However, despite the increased practicality and MINI’s claims that it offers more space than the Clubman, this is no transit van.
Seats down, the Clubman provides 920 litres of storage space, so expect a maximum load space of up to 1,200 litres.
And if that’s not enough for your commercial needs, MINI suggests that it can be modified to your needs, perhaps drawers and shelves for the peripatetic stationery salesmen among you.
Anything Else?
The Minivan is likely to be powered by the 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine from the current MINI Cooper D which produces 110bhp and 199 lb ft of torque.
But don’t worry petrolheads, a petrol version could also be on the drawing board.
Why The Minivan?
There are two reasons, the heritage one and the commercial one.
We’ll begin with the nostalgia…
The Clubvan is the first MINI model since the Clubman five years ago, which has any links to the original Mini.
While Morris, Austin or Rover never did an off-roader or a coupe, they did make a Mini panel van.
The Morris Mini Van of 1960 was so popular that it was produced over three decades.
So that’s the heritage. And now for the commercial reason…
Small vehicles such as the Citroen Berlingo and Volkswagen Caddy are extremely popular across Europe as mobile delivery vehicles.
So BMW must have high hopes that the Minivan will sell…a lot.
And as you would expect, BMW would prefer that you fixate on the nostalgia as you sign the cheque.
So It Will Reach Production?
At present the Minivan is still a concept and production hasn’t been confirmed…yet.
But it’s only a matter of time.
After all, it’s hardly a great commercial risk – swapping the rear seats for a cage and the rear windows for polycarbonate panels.
Given the likely commercial demand from chic business owners and the similarity to the Clubman, we would be surprised if the order books aren’t open by the end of 2012.
Who Will Buy?
The Minivan concept is another Marmite moment – love it or loathe it.
But whatever your views on the styling, it’s certainly a distinctive vehicle and could be the perfect promotional tool for certain small businesses.
And while it doesn’t seem to be aimed at the traditional trades, such as builders, electricians and plumbers, expect plenty of sophisticated fashion designers, florists, caterers and boutique owners to take the plunge.
Give it a couple of years and you won’t be able to move for MINI delivery vans.
So Motoring Spyists, do you run a small business? Would you consider a Minivan for your commercial activities?
Fabulous, what about a pick-up too?
I wouldn’t be surprised Ray.
It seems like there’s a new MINI concept revealed every month.
I would consider one, it’s not often I need to lug lots of stuff around but when I do, I detest putting it in the car. A big white van is overboard though. Basically a practical car, would wait to see what the cost is though as its likely to be well out of normal van money.
Hi Stewart,
For certain business owners, the Minivan will make a lot of sense. It should handle like a MINI and fills a gap between using their own car and getting a big white van.
The more I see it, the more it grows on me. It’s like a modern version of a small delivery van from the 1930′s.
But as you say, the price will be crucial. It will cost more than a commercial van, but it will double as a marketing tool for many small businesses.