The new MINI Clubman

The new MINI Clubman will go on sale in the UK on Saturday 10 November 2007.
Based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, the new car is
a modern interpretation of its famous Mini predecessors taking into account all
the demands and technologies of the 21st century.

Available from launch in three engine variants: Cooper D, Cooper and Cooper S,
the new model offers flexible use of space, easier access through innovative
door concepts, more space for rear passengers and high levels of safety and
customisation options, all without compromising the MINI's revered driving
dynamics.

The new car takes inspiration and styling cues from the Morris Mini Traveller,
Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate, which enjoyed widespread
success in the 1960s. Combining enhanced functionality and versatility, the new
MINI Clubman nevertheless stays true to the MINI design language with the
retention of short body overhangs, wide track, a long wheelbase and the high
shoulder line rising towards the rear.

The new MINI Clubman is 24cm longer than the Hatch, signifying 8cm more legroom
for rear passengers and the opportunity for MINI to enter the market with five
seats. Boot capacity has increased to 260 litres with the seats in place and up
to 930 litres with the rear seats down. Access to this extra space has been
made easier via the split rear doors and innovative Clubdoor on the right-hand
side.

Modern high-performance engines, designed specifically for the 2nd generation
MINI, feature new improvements to optimise fuel economy and emission
management. Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and a Gearshift Point
Indicator are standard on all variants and helps the MINI Cooper D Clubman to
achieve a low emissions figure of 109 g/km C02.

The Clubman is the next body style in the MINI range to join the successful
Hatch and Convertible models, which have sold over one million models since
2001. All three derivatives will be built at Plant Oxford, where £100 million
has been invested in the past two years to increase production up to 240,000 by
2008. This is more than double the planned production capacity prior to the
first car coming off the line in spring 2001.

As with the Hatch models, the petrol engines will be assembled at Plant Hams
Hall in the Midlands and the body panels and sub-assemblies are from Plant
Swindon. This 'MINI production triangle' employs approximately 6,800 production
associates in the UK.

On-the-road-prices:
MINI Cooper £14,235
MINI Cooper D £15,400
MINI Cooper S £17,210

Exterior
Many important details have made it into the production version of the
'Shooting Brake' concept first shown at Frankfurt almost two years ago.
Historically, 'Shooting Brake' models are so-called due to a combination of
premium two-door styling, with added interior flexibility for owners leading
active lifestyles. The three versions of the MINI Clubman are identical to the
MINI hatch design and body structure up to the B-pillar, retaining the familiar
hexagonal radiator grille and large, round headlights.

Some of the design highlights...
• The two piece split-door is a modern interpretation of an authentic detail
found on the MINI's classic forerunners. Hinging at the outside, the rear doors
open up to the left and right offering convenient access to the rear. To ensure
clear visibility at all times the two doors come with separate windscreen
wipers.

• Access to the rear is facilitated by an additional door. The Clubdoor is
hinged at the back on the right-hand side of the car and opens against the
direction of travel. For safety reasons, this door can only be opened when the
front door is open. The Clubdoor does not require an outside door handle and
therefore blends smoothly into the body of the Clubman.

• The MINI Clubman is the same width as the Hatch model and approximately two
centimetres higher.

• The rear light clusters on the MINI Clubman are a new design for this model.
Sweeping slightly to the inside at the top, the design replicates the exterior
lines of the car as seen from the rear.

• The MINI Clubman's compact proportions and low-slung look creates the same
dynamic impression as all other models in the MINI family.

• The individual model variants are designated at the rear by their names
Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S, while the name Clubman is highlighted on the
right-hand door sill strip.

• There are 12 body colours to choose from, creating 36 combinations of
exterior paintwork. Hot Chocolate is new and reserved exclusively for the MINI
Clubman.

• The C-pillars and rear bumper of the MINI Clubman are painted either Silver
or Black. The roof can be ordered in Silver, Black or Body Colour.

Interior
The interior design of the new MINI Clubman replicates the design changes
introduced on the 2nd generation MINI hatch model. Therefore, the opportunities
to personalise it are just as varied as the Hatch with four interior colours
and a wide range of trim options including Brushed Alloy and glistening Piano
Black Paint.

The generous luggage compartment is 260 litres, 100 litres more than the Hatch,
and offers easy loading options thanks to the split-rear doors. Folding down
the rear seats provides 930 litres (250 litres extra compared to the Hatch),
and a completely flat luggage compartment floor is available as an option. The
benefits are greater practicality and flexibility for a larger variety of
transport requirements.

The MINI Clubman is entering the market with five seats as standard. It is also
possible to choose two seats at the rear as a no-cost option. The passengers in
the rear enjoy 8cm more legroom than the MINI Hatch.

Engines
The three modern, high-performance engines were developed specifically for the
2nd generation MINI and guarantee sporting driving pleasure combined with
remarkable efficiency:

MINI Cooper S Clubman
Powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection and a
twin-scroll turbocharger complete with intercooler. Response time when
accelerating is virtually instantaneous due to separating the channels of two
cylinders each into exhaust manifold and turbocharger. This reduces the exhaust
back pressure and plays a major role in ensuring that the charging effect of
the turbocharger kicks in at just 1600rpm. Maximum output is 175hp at an engine
speed of 5,500 rpm.

Maximum torque: 240Nm at 1600-5000 rpm (260Nm with Overboost)
Top speed mph: 139
Acceleration 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
Fuel consumption combined mpg: 44.8
CO2 emissions EU g/km: 150

MINI Cooper Clubman
The 1.6 litre four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine features fully variable
valve management based on BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology. This improves the
engine's response and refinement, as well as the all-round efficiency of the
power unit. Maximum output is 120hp at 6000 rpm.

Maximum torque: 160Nm at 4250 rpm
Top speed mph: 125
Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.8 seconds
Fuel consumption combined mpg: 51.4
CO2 emissions EU g/km: 132

MINI Cooper D Clubman
Four-cylinder turbo diesel with common-rail fuel injection and variable turbine
geometry ensures optimum smoothness, efficiency and response even at low
speeds. A diesel particulate filter almost eliminates diesel exhaust emissions
and helps to make the MINI diesel engine one of the most environmentally
friendly cars available. It develops maximum output of 110hp at 4000 rpm.

Maximum torque: 240Nm at 1750-2000 rpm (260Nm with Overboost)
Top speed mph: 120
Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
Fuel consumption combined mpg: 68.9
CO2 emissions EU g/km: 109

As with all MINI Hatch models, the MINI Clubman range will benefit from the
improvements introduced in production from August 2007 to bring further
reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Technologies include Brake Energy
Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop function and a Gearshift Point Indicator.

Brake Energy Regeneration
This technology ensures that the output from the engine is converted primarily
into drive power, with electricity being generated for the on-board network
only when the engine is on overrun or during application of the brakes. To
achieve this effect, the alter¬nator is automatically disengaged from the
engine while under power. Accordingly, the power the alternator would consume
in the conventional mode now remains fully available for even faster and more
dynamic acceleration.

An adequate supply of electrical energy to the on-board system is nevertheless
ensured at all times, since the alternator is activated again as soon as the
MINI returns to overrun or the driver applies the brakes.

Auto Start-Stop
The new Auto Start-Stop function on all manual gearbox versions of the MINI
Clubman serves to effectively reduce fuel consumption and emissions while the
car is standing still. Whenever the car comes to a stop, Auto Start-Stop
automatically switches off the engine as soon as the driver shifts to neutral
and takes his foot off the clutch pedal. To re-start the engine, the driver
presses down on the clutch pedal again, and the engine re-starts automatically
and immediately.

Auto Start-Stop serves to optimise fuel efficiency in city traffic. The
consumption of energy and the generation of exhaust emissions is reduced to
zero in a very simple and straightforward process every time the car comes to a
stop.

Gearshift Point Indicator
The driver of a manual gearbox MINI Clubman is able to focus on the most
efficient style of motoring because the ideal 'economy' gear is shown by a
numeric symbol in the cockpit display beneath the rev counter. The electronic
engine 'brain' analyses engine speed, driving conditions and the position of
the accelerator pedal to calculate the most efficient style of motoring and
suggests the respective gear to the driver.

Transmission
The MINI Clubman comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. As an
option, six-speed automatic transmission is available for all three variants. A
feature of the auto' box enables the driver to select gears by means of paddles
on the steering wheel.

Suspension
Despite its longer wheelbase and the body overhang extended to the rear, the
Clubman retains the "bulldog" stance so typical of the MINI. The car's agile
driving characteristics offer the legendary go-kart feeling inseparably
associated with the MINI brand.

In a configuration tailored specifically for the MINI Clubman, the chassis and
suspension guarantee superior handling, safety and sporting dynamics. The front
axle is based on the MacPherson spring strut principle and features an
anti-roll bar to reduce body sway to an absolute minimum. The central-arm rear
axle is unique in this segment, sophisticated kinematics ensuring optimum
wheel-to-road contact. Aluminium longitudinal arms help to reduce the car's
overall weight.

As with the Hatch, the suspension on the MINI Cooper S is set-up to be firmer
and more dynamic than the other models. Although, an optional Sports Suspension
set-up is available to the other models.

The MINI Cooper Clubman and the MINI Cooper D Clubman come as standard on
15-inch alloy rims, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman features 16-inch wheels
with runflat tyres, allowing the driver to continue driving even after a
complete loss of tyre pressure.

Steering
Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) gives direct feedback to the driver and
contributes to the pin-point accuracy of the MINI Clubman. Speed-related power
assistance guarantees low steering forces when parking and precise responses at
high speeds on the motorway. A further advantage of EPAS is that it weighs far
less than a conventional steering system and is geared towards saving energy:
the electric motor is only activated when power assistance is required by the
driver.

Safety
The MINI Clubman features a wide range of safety features. Six airbags are
standard consisting of front, side and curtain head airbags for the driver and
front passenger. The extra-large curtain airbags (integrated in the roof
lining) offer optimum protection from head injuries for the rear passengers.

Active safety is ensured in critical situations by ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD
Electronic Brake Force Distribution and CBC Cornering Brake Control as standard
on all models. In addition, DSC Dynamic Stability Control is also standard
(with on-off control by the driver) together with ASC+T Automatic Stability
Control + Traction. Included within DSC is Hill Assist. This feature holds a
manual MINI on the brake for a few seconds when setting off on a gradient to
prevent it from rolling back.

The new generation of the MINI is the world's only compact premium car to
combine fascinating design with incomparably agile driving characteristics,
quality and safety of the highest level, a wide range of customisation options,
and truly outstanding efficiency. The new MINI Clubman offers further evidence
of this leadership.

Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager, said: "MINI dealers are very excited and
confident about the imminent arrival of the Clubman and the expansion of the
MINI range. Dealers have invested close to £40 million in the last two years in
expanding or moving premises, enabling them to present the huge choice of
models, options and accessories to customers in the showroom. Demand continues
to grow year by year with 2007 sales up nearly 14 per cent, including three
record months from March. Residual values remain amongst the best in the
industry and the arrival of Clubman will further add to MINI's growth over the
coming years."

Ends.