Mini: the Clubman will have no descendants

Mini’s star minivan, launched in 2007 to offer a more livable and family-friendly alternative to the city car, will not be replaced. And guess why

This is a model that we know well within the Mini range. The Clubman, extended and family version of the “classic” Mini, has been roaming our roads since 2007 and its first generation. A year after the second generation of the chic city car, the BMW group (owner of Mini) decided to ride the wave of compact minivans. Very popular in Europe at the time. A project that makes all the more sense because premium alternatives are quite rare in the segment. The British group then resurrected a forgotten name, born in 1969 as a Mini station wagon: the Clubman.

A real Mini, more family friendly

Currently in its third generation, which dates from 2015, it is faithful to the style and DNA of the contemporary Mini. Soft lines, friendly face, chic interior, “Union Jack” light signature on the rear lights. It stands out with its hinged doors at the rear, and its trunk volume with a capacity of 360 liters, a sharp increase compared to that of the Mini. Several engines were offered at the time: two petrol versions, a 150 horsepower diesel and a sportier “John Cooper Works” version, which bumps the power to 360 horsepower and sends it to the wheels via all-wheel drive. But times are changing, and the Clubman is a victim. With the attraction of SUVs, this type of model unfortunately no longer has its place. Mini has just announced that it will soon be discontinued…

A Final Edition…to prepare the ground for the Countryman

To say goodbye to him, a special version soberly called “Final Edition” was introduced into the range a few months ago. Limited to 1969 copies, 123 of them are reserved for France. It displays some aesthetic and technical specificities, and is priced at €46,000. What about his replacement? Unfortunately, there won’t be one, at least not in this form. Stefanie Wurst, head of the Mini brand, confirmed this to our British colleagues at Top Gear. She explains in particular that to rationalize the range, the choice was made to give priority to the Countryman. “If you look at the sales figures around the world, twice as many Clubmans are sold as Countrymans.” Yet another SUV replacing a minivan, we’re starting to get used to it…

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