Mini Clubman - Design

Design

Identical to the two-door hatchback from the B-pillar forward, the Clubman features a length increased by 240 mm (9.4 in), an 80 mm (3.1 in) longer wheelbase, increased rear-seat leg room and cargo space deeper by 160 mm (6.3 in), providing an increased 260 litres (9.2 cubic feet) of space – growing from a total of 24 to 32.6 cubic feet (680 to 920 L) with the rear seats folded. The Clubman model weighs 140 lb more than its two-door counterpart.

The Clubman features access to its cargo volume via bi-parting rear doors, also known as barn doors or Splitdoors. All Clubman models, irrespective of market, feature a pair of bi-parting side doors, marketed singlarly as the Clubdoor, which are always located on its right side of the body – irrespective of market. This in turn creates differences between right and left-hand driver markets. Because (irrespective of market) the steering wheel will preclude the driver's seat from folding as far forward as the passenger seat, left-hand drive markets feature increased access to the rear seat via. For right-hand drive markets, including the car's home market, the bi-parting door is located on the road side of the car, requiring rear passengers to exit into the road.

In 2007, Torque magazine said the Clubman is "essentially a shooting-brake design."