The original Mini Clubman estate/wagon emerged in 2007 and has received a generational update in 2015 (see the gallery and the video). Now, MINI Chief Designer Oliver Heilmer says the 3rd-gen Clubman is in the works – and it might become an SUV.
The Clubman version is 240 mm (9.4 inches) longer than the regular Mini and has 80 mm (3.1”) of extra wheelbase. Things may change when it gets reimagined as an SUV in the next generation, though.
The main reason for the change is the marque’s apparent lack of financial success in the USA. Only 33,855 Mini-branded cars found new owners in January–November 2019, representing a 17.2% decline compared to the same period of 2018. The only SUV currently on the lineup – the Countryman – is not particularly in demand in North America, largely considered too small for the price. The Countryman has also been on a downward curve lately, with only 13,346 buyers in January–October 2019 (down 18.6%).During the same time, the Clubman fell even harder with 3,242 units sold (-21.1%).
At 4,275 mm (14.03 ft.) long, 1,801 mm (5.91 ft.) wide and 1,440 mm (4.72 ft.) tall, the Clubman wagon is only marginally shorter than the Countryman SUV, and the two share the same wheelbase of 2,667 mm (8.75 ft.). The Clubman Cooper S starts at U.S. $30,900, which is only $1,000 below the $31,900 of the entry-level Countryman Cooper S.
It remains to be seen whether the alleged new Clubman SUV will be larger or, on the contrary, smaller than the Countryman. The size difference appears necessary to assign them to different market niches.
Oliver Heilmer has also confirmed the rumors that the new three-door Mini hatchback will become more compact. In its 18 years of production, the car has gained some length and wheelbase that it might not need now. As for the alleged Traveler SUV, though, this one will remain in the rumor territory.