MINI Canada Announces Clubman Pricing

MINI Canada Press Release Whitby. MINI Canada is pleased to announce today that the much anticipated MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman will arrive in MINI showrooms on February 13, 2008. The 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman debuts with an MSRP of $26,400, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman will have an MSRP of $31,500. The all-new MINI Clubman duo will add two completely unique five-door models to the MINI lineup, expanding the MINI family to a total of seven models.

The 2008 MINI Cooper S Clubman shares standard equipment with the 2008 MINI Cooper S, and is powered by the same 1.6 litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. Generating a maximum output of 172 horsepower at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 192 lb-ft with the overboost function, the MINI Cooper S Clubman inherits all of the performance characteristics of its sibling 2008 Cooper S, which was chosen as the 2008 Sports/Performance Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

The MINI Cooper Clubman will be equipped with a four-cylinder gasoline engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology, which also debuted in February of 2007 in the new MINI Cooper. With a capacity of 1,598 cc, the Cooper Clubman will have a maximum output of 118 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. The MINI Cooper Clubman with a six speed manual transmission, like the MINI Cooper hatchback, qualifies for the federal government’s $1,000 ecoAUTO rebate due to its impressive fuel economy rating of 5.3 l/100km (highway). “The new MINI Clubman is an exciting addition to the MINI family. The Clubman and Clubman S will appeal strongly to those individuals who require a unique and characteristic premium car which compliments their active lifestyles. The new MINI Clubman is a modern interpretation of an iconic classic that embodies the characteristics for which MINI has become known,” stated Stephen McDonnell, Director of MINI Canada. The five-door MINI Clubman is a completely unique configuration based on the legendary “shooting brake” models, the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman, and the Mini Clubman Estate which rounded out the model family of the original Mini back in the 1960s. While instantly recognizable as a new-generation MINI from the front, the MINI Clubman takes on a character of its own starting immediately behind the B-pillar. Featuring a lengthened roofline that extends over all three pillars, the significantly longer cabin integrates smoothly into striking rear quarters and culminates in two rear-opening splitdoors with unique outside hinging mechanisms.

The rear doors pivot from a point in front of the tail-lights, providing a wide opening aperture for optimum access to the generous cargo compartment. The entire rear opening is trimmed with an attractive frame colour-matched to a wide range of available roof colours. The MINI Clubman is offered with contrasting Silver or Black C-pillars, thus maintaining the striking look of the rear door frame on all versions of the MINI Clubman. With an additional 24 cm in length versus the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S, the MINI Clubman offers 8 cm of increased legroom and extended wheelbase and boasts an increased luggage compartment capacity of 260–930 litres (9.1–32.6 cu ft) with the rear-seat backrest folded down. In conjunction with the splitdoor rear configuration, the Clubdoor is a truly signature design characteristic of the MINI Clubman. Adding interest and functionality to the passenger side of the vehicle, it turns the MINI Clubman into a very distinct five-door model. The Clubdoor, a second, handle-free door behind the right front door, opens to the rear, facilitating comfortable and convenient access to the rear seats. The MINI Clubman offers the enthusiast even greater options in customizing their car and personal style, with 44 combinations of exterior paintwork alone. This considerable freedom of expression is further enhanced by a wide range of accessories, options and special equipment geared specifically to the MINI Clubman.

Inheriting the latest-generation drivetrain, suspension and brake systems from its MINI Cooper and Cooper S stablemates, the MINI Clubman naturally inherits all of the driving and performance virtues of the MINI family including legendary go-kart handling inseparably linked to the MINI brand since its inception. BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 38 BMW automobile retail centres, 17 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 22 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.