MINI

In news that will disappoint UK buyers, MINI has confirmed that the ‘suicide’ rear door on its new Clubman estate will only be fitted on the driver’s side, and not the passenger side.

We told you in Issue 952 that it was originally thought the asymmetric design – which features one reverse-hinged Mazda RX-8-style side door that provides improved access to the rear seats – would be switched from right to left to suit different markets.

That would have meant right-hand-drive models would have the special door on the passenger side, allowing occupants to exit the vehicle on to the pavement. However, given that the majority of Clubmans will be sold in left-hand-drive countries, top brass at the company have decided to cut manufacturing costs and only produce the new estate with its rear passenger opening on the right (as shown in our illustration).

“There are valid arguments for not having the doors on either side of the car, of which cost is one,” explained a spokeswoman for MINI. “But whatever the layout, the single door on the left will still be long enough to give excellent access to the rear seats – as it is on the three-door MINI.”

As we revealed in our story in Issue 952, the new Clubman also gets a split tailgate, with twin, van-style doors, providing clear access to the boot. Under the skin lies a stretched version of the new MINI’s platform, and bosses have already promised a sporty driving experience. Engine and trims will be carried over from the three-door line-up, so that means a choice of One, Cooper and Cooper S specs and 95bhp 1.4, 120bhp 1.6 and 175bhp 1.6-litre turbo­charged petrol powerplants. There will also be a diesel model in the form of the 110bhp 1.6-litre Cooper D.

The new Clubman will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and sales of the compact load-lugger kick off in the UK before the end of the year. Expect prices to start at around £13,500.