[UPDATED] 2016 MINI Clubman Official Images Revealed Ahead Of Frankfurt

Ahead of the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, official images of the 2016 MINI Clubman escaped onto the Internet for all the world to see [now updated with info from the official press release – CA].

Underpinned by the UKL1 modular architecture also used by the MINI three- and five-door models, as well as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the Clubman replaces the skinny suicide rear passenger doors from the current model with conventional ones.

The Clubman — whose face takes its cues from the 2011 Rocketman concept — is reportedly bigger, as well, gaining 10.23 inches in length, 6.34 inches in width, and an inch in height over the model it will replace. Up to 47.9 cu. ft. of cargo space is available with help from either 60/40 or optional 40/20/40 rear seats, 17.5 cu. ft. when all five occupants are aboard. Curb weight ranges between 3,105 lbs and 3,300 lbs, depending on trim and transmission selected.

Power for the new Clubman will come from a pair of gasoline engines: a 1.5-liter three-pot good for 134 horses and 162 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbo-four producing 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired with either six-speed manual or six- and eight-speed variants of MINI’s Steptronic automatic (six-speed for the Cooper Clubman, eight-speed for the Cooper S Clubman). Nil to 60 comes in 8.9 seconds for the Cooper Clubman (top speed: 127 mph), 6.9 seconds (auto) to 7 seconds (manual) for the Cooper S (top speed: 142 mph).

Handling comes from a single joint strut axle up front, and the 2 Series Active Tourer’s multilink setup in the back, with standard 16-inch and optional 17- to 19-inch alloys, dynamic traction, stability and damper controls, and electronic differential locking holding everything together on the road.

Other features available include: MINI Excitement Package (LED interior and ambient lighting, projected MINI logo from driver’s side mirror); HUD; collision/pedestrian warning; MINI Connected infotainment system; revised aero; start-stop; and MINI Driving Modes for increased fuel economy or more power depending on mood.

(Image credit: MINI)