MINI2

BMW group have just released their latest sales stats, and they look good both for BMW (in particular the 1 and 5 series), but also of note are that sales of the MINI also continued to be very positive.

In the month just past, 21,463 MINIs were delivered to customers, 17.5% more than in April 2007 (18,264). For the year to April, 79,680 MINI were sold, which represents an increase of 22.1% (prev.yr.: 65,244).

Not bad going considering the economic slow down we keep hearing about, however the MINI brand may be gaining sales as people cut back from more expensive, and more thirsty brands to the smaller end of the market.

1st April 2008 the new MINI Cherished website will go live, improved and upgraded to help would be used MINI purchasers in their quest for the ideal ride.

According to a MINI press release, sales of used MINIs via the official MINI Cherished scheme have rocketed recently, and the revamped website is part of their response to ever increasing demand for used MINIs.

The stats speak for themselves, in February 2007 there were 518,018 searches for Cherished MINIs, February 2008 saw an increase of over 90% to 992,269 searches. Sales are also up over 25%, January 2007 saw 2178 Cherished MINIs leave dealer forecourts, and the same month in 2008 saw 2580 used MINIs purchased.

Thanks to the manufacturer-backed scheme, with every Cherished MINI coming with the following range of benefits:

• Minimum 12 months MINI Warranty
• Minimum 12 months MINI Emergency Service Cover across the UK and Continental Europe
• Minimum 12 month MOT and MOT Cover
• Full Service History
• Independent vehicle history and mileage checks
• Finance and Insurance available through MINI Financial Services

The MINI Cherished website address is www.minicherished.co.uk

Fleet News has become the latest media outlet to nominate MINI as a green winner. In the publication’s 20th Annual Awards ceremony, MINI was named Best Small Car 2008 thanks to the introduction of new fuel-saving technologies and amazingly strong residual values.

Cost-conscious, practical and desirable motoring topped the awards criteria. The Fleet News panel cited the new Clubman model as key to the appeal of MINI for business car drivers, with one judge claiming: “There is no other car in the sector that drivers would like to have more.”

MINI’s new range of Hatch and Clubman models shot to prominence in 2007 thanks to technologies based on BMW’s EfficientDynamics systems. With carbon emissions-based taxation a key factor in this week’s Budget announcement, many MINI owners could now actually find themselves in a stronger financial position.

Emitting just 104 and 109g/km C02 respectively, the MINI Cooper D Hatch and Clubman models will be exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty as of 01 April 2009 under the Budget ruling. This follows earlier news from Transport for London that from October 2008, cars emitting less than 120g/km C02 will be exempt from congestion charging.

Company car tax thresholds have also been revised and the Cooper D derivatives are again winners, thanks to the income tax rate cut and reduced 13 per cent taxation on diesel cars emitting less than 120g/km C02.

The Fleet News Environmental Award was claimed by BMW Group. This award recognises the fleet industry’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. EfficientDynamics developments, available across BMW and MINI products, positioned BMW Group as the clear winner in a hard-fought category.

22 BMW derivatives and 5 MINI models now emit less than 140g/km C02. From April 2009 every one of these sub-140g/km cars will fall in to VED band E or lower, meaning owners will then pay a maximum of £115 for their annual road fund licence.

As with the original MINI, the second generation MINI will soon be due a nip and tuck, a mid life facelift and refresh. Rumours suggest that the facelift for the second generation car may be more dramatic than we saw first time around, and we’d like to know what you would like to happen.

The first MINI facelift took place after three years of release, in the summer of 2004. Changes were cosmetic as well as mechanical across the range, but to the untrained eye, very little changed. Most of the exterior and interior changes involved plastic or clip-on components. The bumpers, grilles, lights, and other ‘easy to change’ parts were updated to match the new look of the MINI Convertible.

Apparently with the second generation this pattern will continue, with the Convertible leading the way for hard top changes. However, we’ve heard that sheet metal changes, as well as the previous bolt ons, will be updated this time around, suggesting perhaps a more dramatic (while still in no way a full ‘generation change’) update will take place this time around.

We’d like to know, what cosmetic, and perhaps subtle mechanical changes would you make to the second generation MINI to make it appeal more to you as a MINI enthusiast?

Before the big John Cooper Works MINI news due in about eight and a half hours time here on MINI2, we thought we should do a quick catch up on some recent good news for MINI owners and fans living in and around England’s capitol.

Apologies for the BMW centric reporting, this is verbatim of the official press release…

BMW and MINI’s market positions as the number one premium cars within their segments in London were strengthened today with the Mayor of London’s announcement of a new charging structure for entering the capital in a car.

New legislation that comes into effect in October means drivers of vehicles emitting less than 120g/km will be Congestion Charge exempt. Drivers of cars emitting between 120g/km and 225g/km will continue to pay the standard £8 a day fee, while those driving vehicles that record more than 225g/km will pay an increased daily charge of £25.

The change in charging structure means BMW and MINI owners will be financially better off than owners of other prestige cars. All MINIs and most BMWs will remain within the £8 threshold, but there was further good news for many BMW and MINI owners. The new BMW 118d, the MINI Cooper D and the MINI Clubman D all fall into the new sub 120g/km Congestion Charge free bracket. This means that from October 2008 an owner of one of these models will save £2,040 a year driving in the capital compared to owners of non-exempt rival products.

BMW 118d three- and five-door, MINI Cooper D
and MINI Clubman D exempt from Congestion Charge:
Four of BMW Group’s most fuel efficient production cars of modern times have set a new benchmark courtesy of advanced engineering. The three- and five-door BMW 118d now record an impressive 62.8mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 119g/km - putting it into the Band B category for Vehicle Excise Duty. The BMW 118d now costs just £35 a year to tax.

The 110hp MINI Cooper D and MINI Cooper D Clubman both better these impressive figures. The MINI Cooper D is currently BMW Group’s most fuel-efficient car recording 72.4mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 104g/km. The MINI Cooper D Clubman nearly matches these statistics recording 68.9mpg and 109g/km. Both cars are Band B in relation to Vehicle Excise Duty tiers and cost just £35 a year to tax.

All four vehicles employ technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop and Electric Power Steering under the EfficientDynamics banner to help cut fuel bills and emissions. An optimum gearshift change indicator is included to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to high-precision direct injection engines on some models that further aid engine performance.

Jim O’Donnell, Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: “While other manufacturers might claim to be environmentally-friendly, it is BMW who has followed through on its promise to lower CO2 emissions. Instead of producing one-off models or the odd concept car BMW has introduced EfficientDynamics across almost all of its range in 2007.

“No other manufacturer comes close to BMW in terms of combining the benefits of good fuel economy and low emissions while at the same time offering improvements in output and performance. This position was backed up recently in Autocar, who stated that BMW and MINI combined cut CO2 emissions in 2007 by nearly as much as all other manufacturers combined. Quite an achievement.”

Diesel-powered BMW X5 and X6 owners celebrate
and save £4,335 a year:
The BMW X5 3.0d and 3.0sd are now the only conventionally-powered vehicles in the segment with automatic transmissions as standard with CO2 emission figures that fall below the 225g/km band for Congestion Charging. The X5 3.0d has a CO2 emission figure of 214g/km, while the sportier twin-turbo X5 3.0sd posts a 216g/km figure.

The introduction of new legislation means the owner of a new diesel-powered X5 will save £4,335 a year in Congestion Charge fees compared with rival, non-hybrid Sports Activity and Sports Utility Vehicles. The low emissions rating for the X5 3.0d and 3.0sd also qualify it for Band F instead of Band G Vehicle Excise Duty, saving owners a further £95 a year. This benefit is set to increase to £190 a year from 1 April 2008 when the VED charge for Band G cars increases. The cost savings for X5 owners are considerable as diesel-powered models account for 95 per cent of annual UK sales.

The BMW X6, the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé, is another model from the BMW line-up to slip under the 225g/km threshold for Emissions Related Congestion Charging in London. The BMW X6 xDrive30d and the X6 XDrive35d have CO2 emissions figures of 217g/km and 220g/km respectively. Despite boasting rakish looks and on-paper specification & handling akin to a sports car, BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology ensures that these exciting high-performance diesels remain in the £8-a-day charging tier.

Cleaner than a London black cab:
By comparison the latest diesel-powered BMW X5s emit less CO2 than the Mayor of London’s preferred means of transport, the black cab. While the X5 3.0d and X5 3.0sd emit 214g/km and 216g/km respectively, the very latest LTI Vehicles TX4 2.5 produces 233g/km. By contrast the biggest selling BMW X3, the 2.0d automatic, produces just 178g/km.

It’s a similar story with regard to fuel consumption. On the combined cycle the X5 3.0d achieves 34.9mpg compared to a black cab’s 32mpg. The X3 2.0d trumps this by recording 42.2mpg. The X5 covers 9% more miles per gallon and emits 8.2% less CO2 than the black cab while the X3 covers 32% more miles per gallon and emits 23.6% less CO2. The average owner of a BMW X5 will do less than 10,000 miles a year, while the average London black cab will cover considerably more.

BMW Group cuts car CO2 emissions more than any other manufacturer:
Independent research* has revealed that BMW is the manufacturer which cut its UK new car CO2 emissions the most between 2006 and 2007. Figures show that BMW and MINI together managed to slash CO2 emissions by 48,496 tonnes in a 12-month period following the widespread introduction of EfficientDynamics measures on its cars.

To calculate the figures researchers took the average CO2 of each manufacturers’ models offered between 2006 and 2007 then multiplied that number by the number of cars sold. The resulting figure was then multiplied by an average annual mileage of 10,000 miles per car to calculate the overall CO2 figures and the savings.

In stark contrast to the efforts of the BMW Group some rival manufacturers actually increased their CO2 output during the same period.
*Autocar, 6th February, 2008

The website Clean Green Cars has published complete tables of sales-weighted CO2 performance for all manufacturers, models and segments in the UK up to September 2007.The tables reveal overall performance is improving, but slowly. The average CO2 output fell from just 0.8% from 116.1 g/km to 164 g/km in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.

The best performance came from Mini which cut its average CO2 by 17.1% to 150.8g/km, partly due to the development of their highly efficient diesel engines. By 2008 Mini could have the lowest average CO2 output of any mainstream manufacturer.

Publisher Jay Nagley commented,

As CO2 performance is such and important topic it is vital to have accurate and timely information for the UK market. Clean Green Cars is the only independent body to publish this information, which is produced by correlating slaes of every single model in the UK with its official CO2 output to give a sales-weighted average.

The full tables can be found on the Clean Green Cars website.

“Good Clean Fun” – MINI Cooper D wins Autocar magazine’s 2007 Green Grand Prix

MINI has taken a green P1 in the Autocar 2007 Green Grand Prix with its combination of great economy, low carbon dioxide emissions and renowned fun-factor.

Tested against some of the UK’s most environmentally friendly cars, MINI Cooper D triumphed in both absolute fuel consumption (which is directly related to CO2 emissions), and in how close its consumption figures got to the manufacturer’s stated economy figures. So, with MINI, it does what it says on the tin and you can have your cake and eat it.

The only cliché it doesn’t fulfil is that going green means driving dull.

“A highly entertaining econo-car,” and “…an enjoyable way to save.” Autocar concluded that owning a MINI Cooper D is the best way to “save and smile”.

Technologies introduced in August 2007 have now pitched the new MINI Cooper D, and all other MINI derivatives including the new MINI Clubman, firmly into hybrid car-levels of economy and emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration, an instantly responsive Stop-Start system, and an in-car gear shift indicator push the car towards a combined 72 miles per gallon target. Autocar achieved 59 mpg during its ‘real-world’ driving test in the Green Grand Prix and this winning result was “impressive (and) achieved with a car barely run-in.” Also featured was the 123 g/km, 60 mpg BMW 118d, quoted by Autocar as “the best all-rounder.”

Read our full review of the MINI Cooper D

Confusion surrounding alternative fuels and related technologies is leading new car buyers to miss a trick. A recent YouGov Plc survey commissioned by MINI found that diesel-powered cars are thought to be way behind hybrid models for cleanliness. Yet the 104g/km CO2 emitted by the MINI Cooper D is a figure that equals, and in many cases beats other cars using alternative technologies – including hybrids.

In a poll designed to gauge public understanding of CO2-related issues in the car purchase process, just three per cent of the 2,018-strong sample believed that a diesel-fuelled vehicle could be considered a low source of carbon emissions. Yet the new MINI Cooper D’s 104g/km is identical to the hybrid-powered Toyota Prius and lower than the 109g/km achieved by the Honda Civic Hybrid.

Andy Hearn, General Manager for MINI UK, said:

Buyers looking for the most efficient cars could be missing out on the fun of driving a MINI. By developing sustainable diesel technology, MINI engineers have proved that you can have a low emissions car without compromising on driving characteristics and style.

A quarter of the survey’s respondents believed the Honda Civic Hybrid was the lowest carbon-emitting vehicle from a list of five models.* Just two per cent plumped for the MINI Cooper D, perhaps misled by the sporty personality indicated by a Cooper badge.

Along with the rest of the MINI Hatch range, the MINI Cooper D now features a number of engineering enhancements.

Brake Energy Regeneration removes the need for a traditional alternator and reduces drag on the engine, thereby saving fuel. The Auto Start-Stop Function cuts out the engine when the car is brought to a halt and re-engages on depressing the clutch, again increasing fuel efficiency. Switch Point Display indicates to the driver the best gear for frugal driving. These technologies, as well as the Variable Turbine Geometry applied to the MINI Cooper D’s turbocharger combine to make a torquey, yet economical and low-emitting sports hatch.

Well, those that know, know. The MINI Cooper D topped the poll for desirability, despite an apparent misunderstanding between car fuel sources and their relative carbon emissions.

So what else did MINI discover? The most important factor in buying a new car remains price. Fuel economy and style/design were placed second and third respectively. Great news for MINI. Taking into account MINI’s low whole-life cost and its place at the top of the Lex Vehicle Leasing residual value chart, along with the Cooper D offering a combined fuel consumption of 72.4mpg and a unique design, the car again ticks every box.

*Car models listed in the survey were Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius, MINI Cooper D, Ford Focus 1.6 Duratorq TDCi and Citroën C4 1.6 HDi

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,018 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd - 24th August 2007. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

The BMW Group remained on course in the second quarter despite the adverse impact of on-going currency effects on the one hand and market launch and production start-up costs for new models on the other. The total number of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand cars delivered to customers rose by 8.6% to a new record figure of 397,009 units (second quarter 2006: 365,547 units). Group revenues climbed by 11.3% to euro 14,683 million (second quarter 2006: euro 13,193 million).

Group earnings for the period from April to June were held down more than expected as a result of the on-going weakness of the US dollar and Japanese yen and higher raw material costs. In addition, launch costs for new models and substantial expenditure for the development of even more efficient and fuel-saving engines were incurred. “Thanks to the increased use of Efficient Dynamics technology, approximately 40% of BMW and MINI brand cars sold in Europe, will, from autumn onwards, emit a maximum of 140g CO2/km”, stated Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of BMW AG’s Board of Management in Munich on Wednesday. The profit before tax fell by 13.6% to euro 1,065 million (second quarter 2006: euro 1,232 million). The net profit was euro 753 million (second quarter 2006: euro 787 million/-4.3%) and earnings per share of common stock amounted to euro 1.15 (second quarter 2006: euro 1.20).

Revenues for the six-month period rose by 7.3% to euro 26,634 million (first half-year 2006: euro 24,811 million). The profit before tax amounted to euro 1,917 million (first half-year 2006: euro 2,528/-24.2%). It should be noted that the previous year’s figure includes a one-off book gain of euro 375 million from the partial settlement of the exchangeable bond on shares in the British aero engine manufacturer, Rolls-Royce plc. Excluding this exceptional item, the profit before tax would have decreased by only 13.4%.

Impact of adverse currency effects in 2007 higher than expected

Although conditions remain difficult in some aspects, the BMW Group nevertheless expects to make good progress over the coming months. In particular, adverse currency effects are having a greater impact on earnings than previously forecast. However, based on the BMW Group’s current assessment, the negative impact will not exceed the previous year’s level.

Reithofer reaffirmed the company’s outlook for the current financial year: “We are still aiming to achieve a pre-tax profit that, adjusted for the one-off gain on the Rolls-Royce exchangeable bond, is above the record level posted for the previous year. The company is heading towards a sales volume growth rate in the high single-digit percentage range and a sales volume of over 1.4 million vehicles”, he added. All three brands are forecast to achieve new sales volume records.

Slight increase in workforce

The BMW Group had a worldwide workforce of 107,079 employees at the end of the second quarter 2007, 0.9% more than one year earlier (106,150 employees).

Further additions to model range

The BMW Group introduced two new models onto the markets in the period from April to June in the form of the BMW M5 Touring and the three-door version of the BMW 1 Series. The previously announced 1 Series Coupé will strengthen this model from autumn onwards. The fourth generation of the BMW M3 will commence sales in September. As for the MINI brand, the MINI One and the MINI Cooper D have been available on the market since April 2007. The MINI Clubman will be launched in autumn.

Position as the world’s leading premium manufacturer maintained

The BMW Group sold more cars on a quarterly and half-year basis than ever before, thus asserting its position as the world’s leading premium manufacturer. For the six-month period, the number of cars delivered increased by 4.6% to 730,285 units (first half-year 2006: 698,470 units); for the first time, therefore, more than 700,000 cars were sold during a six-month period.

The number of BMW brand cars sold in the six-month period went up by 4.2% to 622,415 units (first half-year 2006: 597,120 units). The sales volume for the period from April to June rose by 7.1% to 336,230 units (second quarter 2006: 313,823 units). The main impetus for this growth was driven again by the BMW 3 Series, the sales volume of which rose by 13.3% to 288,256 units (first half-year 2006: 254,338 units).

The MINI achieved a positive level of sales, with the second-quarter sales volume rising by 17.6% to 60,598 units (second quarter 2006: 51,544 units). This performance represents a new high level for a single quarter. The sales volume for the six-month period rose by 6.4% to 107,576 units (first half-year 2006: 101,063 units). The new MINI has been available on all major markets since March and the MINI brand continues to generate a very high-value product mix. Some 12.5% of buyers decided to purchase the MINI One, compared to 56.8% going for the MINI Cooper and 30.7% for the MINI Cooper S.

The sales volume of the Rolls-Royce brand was similar to the previous year, with 294 Phantoms handed over to customers during the six-month period (first half-year 2006: 287 units /+2.4%).

Automobile segment affected by adverse exchange rate factors

The number of cars sold by the Automobile segment accelerated in the second quarter. Segment earnings were again adversely affected by the exchange rate effects and higher raw material prices referred to above. Further factors were production start-up and market launch costs for new models as well as the higher level of depreciation and research and development costs. Segment revenues for the period from April to June increased by 10.2% to euro 14,257 million (second quarter 2006: euro 12,943 million). The profit before tax fell by 15.4% to euro 801 million (second quarter 2006: euro 947 million).

Motorcycle segment earnings unchanged

The sales volume of the Motorcycle segment for the period from April to June fell by 2.3% to 36,201 units (second quarter 2006: 37,052 units), mainly due to pre-seasonal buying at the beginning of the year caused in particular by the mild winter. On a six-month basis, the number of motorcycles sold rose by 5.6% to a new record of 59,230 units (first half-year 2006: 56,103 units). Second-quarter revenues fell by 5.5% to euro 396 million (second quarter 2006: euro 419 million), whilst the segment profit before tax, at euro 56 million, was unchanged compared to the second quarter last year.

Financial services business remains on growth course

The Financial Services segment continued to perform well in the second quarter 2007. The profit before tax rose by 5.0% to euro 189 million (second quarter 2006: euro 180 million). The business volume of the segment in balance sheet terms went up by 17.8% to reach euro 48,811 million at 30 June 2007. The number of lease and financing contracts in place with dealers and retail customers at the end of the six-month period increased by 14.0% to 2,485,450 contracts. The proportion of new cars of the BMW Group leased or financed by the Financial Services segment during the first half of the year was 44.0%; this was 1.9 percentage points above the proportion recorded for the corresponding period in 2006.

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 alter­nator 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 McPherson 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.