The 2019 MINI Clubman LCI is Coming – Here’s Our First Look
The 2019 MINI Clubman LCI is undergoing final testing for a market launch this November. Autocar has the first photos of the update and as we expected it’s subtle.
The changes will be focused on exterior lights with the Clubman getting the new 360 ring daytime running lights and the rear Union Jack treatment the smaller MINIs got earlier this year. We expect MINI to add some subtle interior trim options along with at least one new color to the range.
Those waiting for the new version of the MINI engine range may be a bit disappointed. The WLPT standards have focused any engine improvements on efficiency rather than performance and have pushed the market launch for those changes back depending on the market. In other words any engine updates will happen market by market and will be almost indistinguishable by the driver.
<p>Autocar’s Jimi Beckwith says, “The Clubman isn’t expected to get the plug-in hybrid system that premiered on the Countryman S E All4 last year, given that the Clubman sits on the same platform as the hatchback, which isn’t available with the plug-in powertrain.”</p>
<p>To clarify, the Clubman shares its UKL2 Platform not with the Hatchback (Hardtop), but with Countryman, X1, and 2-series Active Tourer, all of which are available with the plug-in powertrain. So technically it’s doable.</p>
<p>It was considered but cancelled 2-3 years ago if I remember.</p>
<p>Yes, I seem to recall that and I’m sure headroom/space was cited as the reason. Even with the Countryman PHEV there’s a price to pay such as the deletion of the sliding back seats.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, the Clubman is likely to remain in production until 2024, so with the availability of the next generation smaller batteries next year, perhaps MINI might now reconsider a PHEV Clubman.</p>
<p>The Clubman is the last priority of Mini in these complicated days</p>