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The new Mini Clubman is to go on sale in the UK in November. The new Clubman is based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005 which itself was an homage to the original Mini clubman, a quirky little van-like car that epitomised many of the idiosyncrasies of the British motor industry in the '60s and '70s. 
While the new car is clearly linked to the original Clubman, like the standard Mini, it is proportionately a world away from the original and targets the image-conscious, prestige market rather than the low-to-middle income family market the original did in the 20th century. BMW state that the car takes its design from the Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate but unlike those cars, this latest incarnation focuses on performance, comes with minimal overhangs for improved handling and is only offered with a range of Cooper engines.
The new Clubman is 240mm longer than the standard hatchback, with 80mm more legroom for rear passengers. Boot capacity has increased to 260 litres with the rear seats in place and up to 930 litres with the seats down. The boot is accessed via split doors, as with the original, and may prove very useful for loading and unloading. It's a defining feature that differentiates the Clubman from the hatchback and a feature that may have been lost if the manufacturer had attempted to limit production costs. Access to the rear seats is aided by the half-size suicide door or 'Clubdoor' on the right-hand side.
Design Features..
• The two piece split-door is based on the original's. Hinging at the outside, the rear doors open up to the left and right. To ensure clear visibility at all times the two doors come with separate windscreen wipers.
• Access to the rear is facilitated by an additional door. The 'Clubdoor' is hinged at the back on the right-hand side of the car and opens against the direction of travel.
• The Mini Clubman is the same width as the hatchback model and approximately 20mm higher.
• The rear light clusters on the Clubman are a new design. Sweeping slightly to the inside at the top, the design replicates the exterior lines of the car as seen from the rear.
• The C-pillars and rear bumper are painted either silver or black. The roof is available in silver, black or body colour.
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