Appearing in Clubvan Concept guise at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show, the full production 2013 Mini Clubvan has now been revealed in its final U.S. form. Based on the current Mini Clubman model with which it shares all key dimensions, this latest addition to the Mini clan will go on sale here this fall and have the distinction of being the automaker’s first commercial offering. However, Mini also is quick to point out that beyond its ability to get down to business with a unique sense of style, "the first premium vehicle of its kind" also is suitable for non-mainstream leisure and lifestyle use.
As displayed in its one-off precursor, the new Mini Clubvan’s blocked-out rear side windows are fitted with a polycarbonate reinforcing panel that adds a new dimension of secure privacy for its payload area while creating a very usable bit of potential exterior advertising space. Otherwise unchanged, the Clubvan’s rear doors also feature new dark-tinted glass. Clubvan buyers will be able to choose from four standard paint colors: Pepper White, Ice Blue, British Racing Green Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic all rendered in a basic monochrome treatment. The standard 15-inch steel wheels can be upgraded with exclusive Mini Clubvan Delta Spoke alloy units in 15-, 16- and 17-inch diameters.
Inside, the standard cabin appointments of the new Mini Clubvan feature a basic black motif trimmed in Fine White Silver accents and pairs individual seats for two covered in Cosmos fabric with a fixed partition that separates the passenger and load areas. Matching a solid lower aluminum element with an upper section of stainless-steel mesh, it’s engineered to effectively prevent dangerous cargo shifts under braking. While function is technical king of this realm that offers 30.3 cubic feet of capacity and an 816-pound maximum payload, the Clubvan will offer plenty of Mini-style options and accessories, including black sports seats available in Cloth/Leather, Punch Leather and Lounge Leather as well as a choice of three different Color Lines, alternative interior trim strips and a leather-trimmed instrument panel.
Unlike virtually all other Mini incarnations, the new Clubvan wlll be available in the U.S. only with the Cooper-spec 121-horsepower/1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine four-cylinder engine. It can be backed by either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed autoshifter and will allow the Clubvan to run 0-62 mph in 9.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 124 mph.
Pricing for the 2013 Mini Clubvan will be released closer to its on-sale date.
