Proving that there’s no end to the BMW Group’s thirst for growth in any given segment, Mini has introduced the production version of the 2012 Geneva Motor Show Clubvan Concept.
Billed as “the world’s first premium compact delivery van”, the seventh addition to Mini’s lineup is based on the longer Clubman but does away with the rear seat bench and boot floor to gain a continuous loading area.
If filled up to the roof, there’s 860 liters of load space. Mini says that the cargo area is 1,150mm long (45.3 in.) and at its narrowest point behind the rear doors, 1,020mm (40.2 in.) wide, while the van’s maximum payload capacity is 500 kilograms (1,102 lbs).
Other changes over the Clubman include the fixed partition between the passenger compartment and load area while in order to be classified as a commercial vehicle and therefore, be taxed at a lower rate in select countries, the Clubvan is equipped with blocked-out rear side windows.
Mini’s first commercial vehicle is offered in three engine flavors starting with the One that gets a 1.6-liter petrol engine delivering 97hp (98PS) for a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration in 11.1 seconds, a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph) and an average fuel economy of 5.5lt/100km (51.4 mpg UK / 42.8 mpg US).
Next up is the Cooper Clubvan sporting a 1.6-liter petrol with 121hp (122PS) allowing for a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 9.8 seconds, a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph), and a combined fuel consumption of 5.5lt/100km (same as the One).
Finally, there’s the Cooper D model equipped with a 110hp (112PS) four-cylinder diesel that accelerates the van from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.2 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 197 km/h (122.4 mph). Mini quotes an average fuel consumption of 3.9 liters/100 km (72.4mpg UK / 60.3mpg US), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 103g/km.
All three models get a standard 6-speed manual gearbox while the Cooper D Clubvan can optionally be fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The new Clubvan will make its first public outing at next weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed with sales to start in the autumn.
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