Mini Clubman

The Mini Clubman is a supermini engineered and manufactured by Mini. It was introduced in 2007, as a variant of the Mini Hatch (hatchback). A commercial version called Clubvan was added to the range in 2012. It is the first Mini to have suicide doors on its first generation but the second generation lacks them.

Background
The use of the name "Clubman" is a departure from Mini tradition. "Clubman" was originally the name given to the 1970s facelift of the classic Mini, which mostly resulted in a squared-off front end, whereas the classic Mini estates had traditionally been named "Traveller" or "Countryman" (a Clubman-styled estate was, however, available in Australia). However, BMW did not initially purchase the rights to use those names, and so decided to call its estate-variant "Clubman", a name which it did own rights to.

The model variants are the same as the Hatch/Hardtop version; being in available in One, Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper SD, Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) (2007-2014) variations.

First generation (R55) (2007–2014)
Identical to the 3-door hatchback from the B-pillar forward, the Clubman features a length increased by 240 mm (9.4 in), an 80 mm (3.1 in) longer wheelbase, increased rear-seat leg room and cargo space deeper by 160 mm (6.3 in), providing an increased 260 litres (9.2 cu ft) of space – growing from a total of 680 to 920 litres (24 to 32 cu ft) with the rear seats folded. The Clubman model weighs 64 kilograms (141 lb) more than its two-door counterpart.

The Clubman features access to its cargo volume via bi-parting rear doors, also known as barn doors or Splitdoors. All Clubman models, feature a pair of bi-parting side doors, marketed singlarly as the Clubdoor, which are always located on its right side of the body – irrespective of market. This in turn creates differences between right and left-hand driver markets. Because (irrespective of market) the steering wheel will preclude the driver's seat from folding as far forward as the passenger seat, left-hand drive markets feature increased access to the rear seat via. For right-hand drive markets, including the car's home market, the bi-parting door is located on the road side of the car, requiring rear passengers to exit into the road.

In 2007, Torque magazine said the Clubman is "essentially a 4-door hatchbackdesign."

Recently, the company unveiled the Clubman Bond Street, named after a prestigious shopping destination in London, featuring exclusive and stylish appointments inside and out.

Specifications
Four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission and manual transmissionselections are identical to those used in the corresponding hatchback models, except for the 66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp) One Diesel which is not offered in the Clubman. The rear suspension setup shares many of the same design features, including the rear trailing arms and the anti-roll bars.

The Clubman comes with 6 airbags; stability control, brake assist driving and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Clubvan
A panel van commercial version of the Clubman was first shown to the public in June 2012, called the Clubvan. Initially shown as a concept car at the 2012Geneva Motor Show,a pre-production version was shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Sales in the US began in early calendar 2013 but it was withdrawn in July with only 50 units sold, the Chicken tax having made it more expensive than a Clubman wagon.

Second generation (2015-Present
A second generation Clubman was announced in 2013, with model code F54. A concept version was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, with a production model expected towards the end of 2014. The new second generation Mini Clubman was shown in Frankfurt IAA MotorShow featuring more space. It is based on the actual Mini Five Door.[10] The Mini Clubman is also the largest Mini ever manufactured by the brand, measuring 427 centimetres (168.3 in) long and it is wider measuring 180 centimetres (70.9 in) in comparison to the previous 168-centimetre (66.3 in). The new model has 4 doors for passengers.

This generation of the Mini Clubman comes with two engines for the North American Market. The basic model comes with the 100 kW (134 bhp) 3-cylinder engine mated with either a 6-spd manual or 6-spd automatic transmission, while the new MINI Cooper S Clubman comes with a 4-cylinder engine and 189 bhp, mated with either a 6-spd manual or 8-spd automatic transmission. All-wheel drive in the form of MINI's all4 system is optional in the Cooper S in select markets.

Vision GT Concept
In 2014, work began on the MINI Clubman VGT, which was designed for the videogame Gran Turismo 6. The car features four-wheel drive and carbon fibre components to save weight,and at nearly 400 horsepower, is one of the most powerful Minis. It was made available to players via an update in February 2015.

Reception
In October 2014, Top Gear magazine placed the Mini Clubman on its list of "The worst cars you can buy right now", describing the car as "Lamentable to drive - shuddery, messy and as comfortable as a marble mattress."