MINI premieres the clubman concept, a six-door hatchback in geneva

MINI premieres the clubman concept, a six-door hatchback
all images courtesy BMW group

at the 2014 geneva motor show, MINI presented the MINI clubman concept, a six-door hatchback complemented by a selection of high-quality materials, refined details and next-level connectivity features. measuring 26 centimeters longer and 17 centimeters wider than the current MINI clubman, the concept boasts a handful of innovative elements throughout, including exterior aerodynamic ‘airbreathing’ airducts and intelligent toggles and switches inside the cockpit.

in two exclusive video interviews below, designboom talks to MINI head of exterior design christopher weil and head of MINI interior design oliver sieghart about the new clubman concept, highlighting some of the vehicle’s most prominent features.

seen from the front, the circular headlamps, hexagonal radiator grille and roof with add-on look clearly identify the clubman concept as belonging to the MINI family. the radiator grille is elaborated and incorporates the black chrome-finished bumper in the front section. details such as the three-dimensional structure of the chrome ribs inside the front grille further enhance the front section. in the lower area of the front-end design a continuous air inlet highlights the breadth of the vehicle, emphasizing its solid stance on the road.

a prolonged roof line reflects the car’s extensive utility space, giving the silhouette a distinctive aesthetic and elegance, underscored by generous surfaces. the concept keeps in line with traditional MINI design icons such as the classic hexagonal radiator grille, side scuttles, black band and the typical friendly headlights. the modern, reduced interpretation of these elements gives the clubman concept a charismatic look, yet aggressive look. the themes of aerodynamics and air ducting are clearly highlighted in the exterior design; openings and outlets are integrated in the geometry and elegantly shaped, with clearly defined wheel arches and a roof spoiler accentuating the car’s dynamic aesthetic appearance.

‘the MINI clubman concept shows how the MINI clubman could be taken a step further: more interior space, a greater sense of high-end quality and yet still clever, bold and distinctive. in short: more car, more MINI,’ explains adrian van hooydonk, head of BMW group design. ‘with the MINI clubman concept we are presenting a car with space, flair and style in a segment where the focus is mainly on function and utility,‘ adds anders warming, head of MINI design. ‘with clever ideas, emotional design and a cool blend of colors and materials, it offers an overall experience which remains unique in this segment to date.’

 interview with christopher weil, head of MINI exterior design

the most striking rear elements are the characteristic split doors

detail of the showcase storage compartment

the 19″ light alloy rims in bi-color black chrome and chrome finish are the highlight of the side view

 interview with oliver sieghart, head of MINI interor design

surrounded in blue limed ash grain and finished in white porcelain, the black upper section of the instrument panel has a hovering appearance. indirect rear lighting of the gap reinforces this impression and gives the area in front of the driver and front passenger an extremely high-end ambience.

the display area in the center console adapts according to the content selected or the situation on the road. three ‘intelligent’ toggles are assigned the relevant content according to selected content or driving functions. the switches can also be freely programmed and assigned particular functions according preference. the haptic quality allows for the various functions to be operated during travel without looking.

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