MINI Clubvan (2012 – 2014) Review

MINI Clubvan (2012 – 2014) At A Glance

4/5

+Ideal for small businesses keen to make the right impression, drives as well as the car it's based on, quirky and stylish interior.

-Extra Clubdoor on the 'wrong' side of the van for UK roads, load area is fully trimmed making it vulnerable to bulky or dirty cargo.

The Clubvan is based on the MINI Clubman and features the same split-rear doors and single Clubdoor on the driver's side. But the load bay has been stripped out, the side windows have been body-coloured in vinyl and reinforced with polycarbonate. It's a clever and effective addition to the MINI range and it leaves us asking, 'why so long'?

It's not been built to offer the last word in payload capacity or loadspace, but the Clubvan is aimed at the lifestyle van sector - light users after a vehicle of high image. And in that, MINI has certainly succeeded, having the 'premium' LCV market all to itself right now.

Three models are offered – the MINI One Clubvan, with a 98PS petrol engine, the MINI Cooper Clubvan, with a 122PS petrol engine, and the MINI Cooper D Clubvan with a 112PS diesel engine. All are front-wheel drive and come with MINImalism efficiency technology, which includes start/stop and brake energy regeneration to maximise fuel economy.

Because the Clubvan is classed as a commercial vehicle, business users can claim back their VAT, and so prices quoted exclude VAT. Prices at launch in 2013 started at £11,175 for the One Clubvan rising to £12,475 for the Cooper Clubvan and £13,600 for the Cooper D Clubvan. Four colours are offered – white, blue, green and black - and because the van is based on the Clubman estate it comes well equipped with air con, electric windows, an alarm and DAB radio among the standard fit items.

Great to drive and cool to look at, the Clubvan is a welcome addition to the van market, but one that can easily be turned into an expensive trinket injudiciously optioned-up.