MINI Clubvan: I See What You Did There

by Derek Kreindler

Published: February 19th, 2012

MINI will unveil their new Clubvan (isn’t that clever), a Clubman-based van with the rear seats removed and a metal screen placed in the back to separate the cargo compartment from the two seats up front.

Apart from that, not much else has changed. MINI also wants to gain “…new popularity among target groups not previously on the Mini radar.” It may be a substitute for the Chevrolet HHR Panel Van or (and this is a stretch) the Ford Transit Connect, but I’d rather buy a Clubvan outfitted in Cooper S JCW trim and have a factory lightened car for track days and the like. The Clubman’s long wheelbase doesn’t detract from the MINI’s trademark handling characteristics, and the extra space means room for tires, tools and a helmet bag.

Derek Kreindler

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JustPassinThru on Feb 20, 2012

It also may make sense for light delivery companies, who think about resale value as well as purchase and operating cost. After many years of Dominos Pizza using Chevettes and Metros as delivery cars, in the mid-1980s they started using S-10s Reason, I was told, was that those things kept resale value much better than the others. I don't know what they're using now; most pizza delivery drivers use their own heaps, and like it that way - they get mileage. But for florists, parts stores, couriers...if the company can afford the initial layout, they might do better as a total cost of operation.

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Obruni on Feb 20, 2012

this sort of body style in France is called the societe or affaires, and many cars can be ordered this way: Clios, Pandas, Golfs, 207s, Fiestas, etc corporate car fleets should eat these up.

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