Official MINI of Australia Press Release: A team of eager motorists has been cruising Melbourne in the all new MINI Clubman adding an additional layer of coolness to the Victorian capital’s streets.

The drive programmes, sanctioned by MINI, precede the official launch of the new model (dubbed by insiders as The Other MINI), and have attracted not insubstantial interest from fellow road users.

The MINI switchboard has reported a sharp rise in reports of finger pointing, neck craning and spontaneous smiling in past days. MINI advises that road users should remain calm and attempt to emulate the relaxed and laid back attitude of the MINI Clubman testers.

MINI has confirmed that the MINI Clubman is a new breed of premium conveyance designed for lovers of all things MINI, and that people catching a glimpse of the vehicles on their streets should feel free to approach without caution.

Mild levels of intoxication may occur with prolonged exposure to the MINI Clubman. MINI puts this down to a natural release of Endorphins caused by proximity to the MINI Clubman.

Today, MINI officially advises MINI Clubman enthusiasts to approach their nearest MINI Garage (20 of which have been strategically located across Australia) to express their love for the MINI Clubman.

An approved and accepted form of this declaration will be the promise to pay the dealer on demand the sum of $34,400* for the 88 kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder, six-speed manual MINI Cooper Clubman, or $38,200 for the Chilli model.

The 128 kW 1.6-litre Twin Scroll Turbocharged MINI Cooper S Clubman is priced from $43,200, rising to $47,000 for the Chilli model. All versions are optionally available with a six-speed automatic transmission complete with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifts.

The MINI Clubman offers MINI enthusiasts a unique model concept comprising the Clubdoor and Splitdoor (at the rear) along with greater interior space courtesy of an 80 mm wheelbase stretch and an extended rear overhang.

MINI Clubman equipment levels are in line with the complementary MINI Hardtop models with the addition of Park Distance Control, Dynamic Stability Control and larger light alloy wheels at 16-inches for the Cooper model and 17-inches for the Cooper S model.

One of the visual highlights of the MINI Clubman will be the unique Hot Chocolate exterior paint colour, as well as matching Hot Chocolate interior trim, in cloth or leather, including the top of the range Leather Lounge look, complete with contrasting piping.

MINI Clubman offers the option of a roof finished in body colour or silver or black, while all models will boast contrasting C-pillars and bumper inserts, to highlight the Splitdoor design.