Mini Clubvan Concept at 2012 Geneva motor show

This is the Mini Clubvan Concept, set to be unveiled at the 2012 Geneva motor show. Geddit? It’s a witty amalgamation of the Mini Clubman and the fact this concept is a van. No doubt designed to take advantage of the olde-worlde view that us Brits still have everything delivered fresh to our doorstep, too.

Mini says it ‘brings apparently conflicting profiles together into a single package, paving the way for an innovative vehicle concept without parallel in the premium small car segment’. So if you’re after an expensive little van then this could be your thing.

It also ‘combines the driving fun for which MINI is renowned with increased load-carrying capability’, so when the butcher, baker or candlestick maker arrives at your house having thoroughly enjoyed at good old thrash en-route, his or her produce will no doubt be in pieces.

Mini reckons the Clubvan would fit into the fleet of a fashion designer, art gallery owner or event caterer, or be perfect for a photographer during the week, and then able to accommodate his or her sports or leisure gear at the weekend. To do this Mini has junked the Clubman’s rear seats for a flat load bay, and in the boot there are six hooks to lash things down from, and a partition grille (part aluminum, part stainless steel) to keep your luggage separate from the back of your head. The boot is trimmed in dark cloth, and there are 12-volt plug sockets back there too.

The exterior of the Mini Clubvan Concept is painted in British Racing Green, while the rear side windows are opaque with polycarbonate reinforcement, and the glass on the rear doors is tinted.

By Ben Pulman