Currently reading: Clubman door for next Mini

The next Mini could get a Clubman-style third door, if the prototype seen here is representative

The third-generation Mini could get a Clubman-style third door, if the prototype seen in these spy shots is representative of the production version.

Close examination seems to show a second shutline, disguised by tape, behind the driver’s door on this left-hand-drive example.

Although it might appear to be just a line of tape applied over the disguise, the driver’s door on this mule is also rather shorter than is typical for a three-door Mini.

BMW received criticism for the use of a single, rear-hinged ‘club door’ on the Clubman, partly because it was on the wrong side for right-hand-drive vehicles, but the company is known to be very keen on the principle. Twin club doors will be used on the production version of the Countryman-based Paceman Coupé and are also expected to be used on the second-generation Clubman.

Meanwhile, BMW has said that the tiny Mini Rocketman will not make it past the concept car stage. The new BMW/Mini front drive platform cannot be shrunk enough to be used for a 3.4m-long city car.

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Join the debate

Comments
18
Add a comment…
catnip 6 February 2012

Re: Clubman door for next Mini

vinylnutter wrote:

Really its all about choice and if you want to pay more for quality and design (perceived or otherwise) than why not do so, hopefully without too much sniping from those who disagree with that choice.

Ooh, I'm not sure that you're allowed to say things like that on here.

catnip 6 February 2012

Re: Clubman door for next Mini

owenmahamilton wrote:
So there won't be a Clubman version of the next Mini as it will be a Clubman from the start, I really don't see the point, what if people just want a 3 door?

As I understand it there will be a Clubman version of the next MINI, longer than the standard hatch (as it is now), with extra doors on both sides. The club door, or doors, will possibly be introduced as an option on the 3 door hatch.

vinylnutter 6 February 2012

Re: Clubman door for next Mini

I did mention Fiat too, but really its all of them of course.

Apple make products people want, some people resent the fact that they can charge more for what they bring to the party, others just enjoy the choice.

Apple seems to get a lot of bashing for this as does Mini and others in the automotive arena. It seems some cant help pointing out that some of their products are 'pointless' and over priced, largely so they can be seen to rise above it all with their common sense?

Really its all about choice and if you want to pay more for quality and design (perceived or otherwise) than why not do so, hopefully without too much sniping from those who disagree with that choice.