DETROIT AUTO SHOW

Mini gets bigger with Clubman

January 14, 2008

By MARK PHELAN

FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC

More Mini, what else can you ask for? The fast-growing BMW brand showed off its 2009 Mini Clubman this morning at the North American International Auto Show, a vehicle that revives a name from Mini’s past to add passenger and cargo space to make the Mini nearly as practical as it is adorable.

But Mini has plans to go bigger. It’s in the midst of planning a crossover model. Mini is also planning to expand its dealer network in the U.S. from 82 to about 95 by 2010, said Stefan Krause, the BMW board member in charge of sales and marketing.

Last year, Mini sold more than 42,000 vehicles in the United States, surpassing sales in Germany and making America the automaker’s second-largest market, behind the United Kingdom.

“Mini continues to be the only premium offering in the small car segment,” Krause said.
Due at dealerships next month, the Clubman adds a rear-hinged door on the passenger side for access to the backseat. Mini calls it the Clubdoor. The vehicle starts at $20,600.

Access to the cargo area is through a pair of center-split doors that swing out to the Clubman’s sides, rather than up like a hatch or down like a tailgate.

Look for normally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines producing 120 and 175 horsepower, respectively, to power the Clubman. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, front-seat side air bags and curtain air bags.

Source: Detroit Free Press