[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/mini-announce-2014-clubman-concept\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/mini-announce-2014-clubman-concept\/","headline":"MINI Announce 2014 Clubman Concept","name":"MINI Announce 2014 Clubman Concept","description":"When I think of the MINI Clubman it reminds me of seeing a Countryman drive slowly past in the village where I grew up, I still remember being startled by seeing actual wood as part of the structure. Things have come a long way since then and I bet many current MINI owners don\u2019t even connect their shiny rust-free modern vehicle with those vehicles we see on TV each Christmas in The Italian Job. But progress moves steadily on and […]","datePublished":"2014-02-27","dateModified":"2014-02-27","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/mini-clubman-concept-rear.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/mini-clubman-concept-rear.jpg","height":400,"width":400},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/mini-announce-2014-clubman-concept\/","about":["Cars","LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":393,"keywords":["5-door hatchback","clubman","concept","countryman","geneva motor show","Mini","the italian job"],"articleBody":"When I think of the MINI Clubman it reminds me of seeing a Countryman drive slowly past in the village where I grew up, I still remember being startled by seeing actual wood as part of the structure.Things have come a long way since then and I bet many current MINI owners don\u2019t even connect their shiny rust-free modern vehicle with those vehicles we see on TV each Christmas in The Italian Job.But progress moves steadily on and MINI have just announced that we will be able to take a first look at the MINI Clubman 2014 concept at this year\u2019s Geneva Motor Show.One thing to note in comparison to the older heritage model is the ever-increasing size of this car; soon \u2018mini\u2019 will become a bit of a misnomer if it isn\u2019t already..The 2014 Clubman has a longer wheelbase than the current model, 260mm in fact (that\u2019s about ten inches if you\u2019re old enough to remember the original MINI) as well as being 187mm wider. That\u2019s actually quite a lot all things considered.One of the reasons for the increase in size though is due to the fact that the quirky lop-sided rear-hinged \u201cclub door\u201d aspect of the Clubman has been forsaken for a more traditional twin rear door arrangement with front hinges. MINI says that this model can seat 5 adults.The MINI Clubman is a technically a six-door vehicle due to the two rear barn-doors allowing access to the boot. It\u2019s a good-looking vehicle.Part of the good looks come from a subtle backwards slope to the roofline which gives it a bit of a go-faster look to it.The good looks go deeper too as the interior is pretty plush and you can almost smell the wood and the leather as you open the (tuned to a deep note no doubt) door.It looks like we will have quite a wait for any production models to appear though as MINI are saying that the five-door hatchback will be making an appearance first.The MINI Clubman 2014 concept looks to be an exciting prospect for MINI lovers; the significant increase in size and the introduction of decent rear doors will most certainly take sales away from its rivals as potential owners no longer have to deal with the shortcomings of that \u2018club door\u201d."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"MINI Announce 2014 Clubman Concept","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/mini-announce-2014-clubman-concept\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]