MINI Clubman to enter Chinese market in mid-April

Shanghai, April 2 (Gasgoo.com) It is reported by www.autohome.com.cn today that the MINI Clubman model will be launched in the Chinese market on April 18 to cater for the growing interest in mini vehicles.

The MINI brand by BMW has become chic. This year MINI introduced globally the MINI Clubman, a longer, roomier version of the much-admired classic. The stretched Clubman is 240mm longer than an average MINI model to reach 3,940mm, and the wheelbase is extended by 80mm. The new Clubman has two front passengers doors, a half door on the off-side and twin rear side hinged doors.

The Clubman's innovative door concept makes it a special five-door model, with the conventional driver's and front passenger's door supplemented by an additional rear-hinged door on the right-hand side of the car. The rear door sports two split-door wings.

The latest MINI model has 80mm more rear legroom than the Hatch models and the boot space with all five seats in use is 260 liters,100-liter more than the Hatch, or with the rear seats folded this increases to 930-liters, 250-liter more than the Hatch. 

However, the off-side positioned Clubdoor for access to the rear passenger area has been criticized for its safety design because it means rear passengers, more likely to be children, have to get in or out of the Clubman from the road, not the pavement.