MINI Clubman
Encyclopedia
Introduced for the 2008 model year the Mini Clubman is an estate
variant of the Mini two-door hatchback.
Identical to the two-door hatchback from the B-pillar forward, the Clubman features a length increased by 240 mm (9.4 in), a 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 cubic feet) of space – growing from a total of 24 to 32.6 cu ft (679.6 to 923.1 L) with the rear seats folded. The Clubman model weighs 140 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, irrespective of market, 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 shooting-brake
design."
The use of the name "Clubman" is a departure from Mini tradition. "Clubman" was originally the name given to the 1970s face-lift 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". However, BMW
did not initially purchase the rights to use those names.
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
variant of the Mini two-door hatchback.
Identical to the two-door hatchback from the B-pillar forward, the Clubman features a length increased by 240 mm (9.4 in), a 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 cubic feet) of space – growing from a total of 24 to 32.6 cu ft (679.6 to 923.1 L) with the rear seats folded. The Clubman model weighs 140 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, irrespective of market, 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
Torque (magazine)
Torque magazine is a monthly motorsport magazine which is published by The Race Drivers Academy in the United Kingdom. It was first released in September 2008. The magazine's tag line is that it is 'By Drivers, For Drivers'. The magazine is written solely by racing drivers and includes...
magazine said the Clubman is "essentially a shooting-brake
Shooting-brake
Shooting-brake, shooting brake or shooting break is a term for a car body style that has evolved through several distinct meanings over its history....
design."
The use of the name "Clubman" is a departure from Mini tradition. "Clubman" was originally the name given to the 1970s face-lift 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". However, BMW
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
did not initially purchase the rights to use those names.