After much teasing and prodding, Mini->ke57 has finally dropped the covers off of the Mini Clubman Concept just in time for the Geneva Motor Show->ke228.

Mini says that a production version is set to follow, but the way we see it, why doesn't the company just consider this ready for production?

It's got all the elements of a fancy Clubman, complete with all the trims and typical Mini styling that has been a hallmark of the company's identity. There are two powertrain options, which is more than what others can offer, yet it feels like the Clubman deserves more than a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.

Maybe that's where the Clubman S comes into the picture? We're not going to jump the gun on anything, but judging by the Clubman Concept->ke169, it's easy to get a little excited about what Mini has in store for this model.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mini Clubman Concept.

2014 Mini Clubman Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mini Clubman Concept
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 136 @ 4500
  • Torque: 162 @ 1250
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Mini Clubman Concept doesn't looks so much as a concept as an actual production-ready model, that is when you base it on the looks of the all-new Mini Cooper. As the Coop's much longer brother -- the concept's 166.25 inches long -- the Clubman Concept is obviously designed to be a little more imposing than the regular. Cooper.

The thing is; it still looks like a Mini, or at least the new-look Mini. The recessed headlights are there, as is the hexagonal radiator grille and the Black Chrome-finished bumper. Overall, the front end is what we would've expected from the Clubman Concept with the exception of what Mini's calling AirCurtain, which you can check out on the outer section of the front apron. According to Mini, these AirCurtains are aerodynamic features that give the wheel arches an aerodynamically optimized closure, surrounding the lower part of the front section like two brackets.

One other new wrinkle to the Clubman Concept is the presence of four doors, which would have been a must if MIni was going to extend the length of the Clubman. Another new Clubman feature is the AirBreather, which is sort of similar to the AirCurtain, although the former cuts dynamically into the surrounding Black Band on the sides.

A double roof spoiler was also added to the concept and it's got a third brake light integrated in between the two wings of the roof spoilers

19-inch, multi-spoke light alloy rims are also part of the Clubman Concept's package with this set featuring a bi-color Black Chrome and Chrome finish are the highlight of the side view.

If MINI decides to roll with the body of the concept and turn it into the production version, you won't find any complaints from us.

Mini Clubman Concept - Exterior Dimensions

Length

4223 MM (166.25 inches)

Width

1844 MM (72.59 inches)

Height

1450 MM (57.08 inches)


Interior

Fitting more into the description of a concept, the interior of the Clubman Concept is an exercise in how you design a cabin. Space is bigger given the larger dimensions of the car and yes, there are five seats in there, meaning interior comfort won't be a problem for the new Clubman.

Another pleasant surprise is Mini's use of luxury materials, particularly the nubuck leather, patent leather, and black soft nappa leather. We've seen the company use these materials before, but not all at the same time. Pretty sweet, right?

Likewise, two highly expressive fabrics Tweed Grey and Black Twill provide the kind of earthy contrast to the red and blue leather, creating the kind of eye-catching look that Mini has come to be known for.

The Union Jack embossment on the seats and central console are Mini's way of showing its British identity while the usual Mini instrument panel was given a nice leather touch.

Drivetrain

The Mini Clubman Concept will feature a pair of engines with the first being a 1.5-liter inline-three that produces 136 horsepower at 4,500 to 6,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 1,250 to 4,000 rpm. A bigger 2.0-liter, in-line-four engine is also being offered, this one coming with 192 horsepower at 4,700 to 6,000 rpm and 206 pound-feet of torque at 1,250 to 4,750 rpm. No performance numbers have been given but we do anticipate a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds to go with a top speed of 130 mph.

Mini Clubman Concept - Drivetrain Specifications

Model

Mini Cooper

Mini Cooper S

Type/no. of cylinders/valves

in-line / 3 / 4

in-line / 4 / 4

Displacement

1.5L

2.0L

Bore/stroke mm

82.0 / 94.6

82.0 / 94.6

Output (HP @ RPM)

136 @ 4,500 – 6,000

192 @ 4,700 – 6,000

Torque (with overboost) @ RPM

162 lbs-ft (169 lbs-ft) @ 1,250 – 4,000

206 lbs-ft (221 lbs-ft) @ 1,250 – 4,750


Prices

No word yet on the price but its reasonable to expect it to be somewhere in the $22,000 - $30,000 range depending on the trim you get.

Competition

2014 Fiat 500L

Just like MIni, Fiat ventured into uncharted waters when it decided to super-size the 500 hatchback with the 500L. For the most part, the 500L has had its share of attention, largely due to its unique look that pretty much saw the 500 receive 27.7 inches of extra length to accommodate the 42-percent increase in interior space.

The model added two more doors and while also receiving a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

Conclusion

We understand that it's a concept, but is it really too much to ask Mini to just send this model out to the production plant and green light the model? We love every bit of the Clubman Concept, and we're going to wager that we're not alone in that bandwagon.