The MINI Clubvan Arrives in Japan | MINI

MINI Clubvan | MINI Clubvan

The MINI Clubvan Has Arrived in Japan

Based on the "MINI Clubman," the "MINI Clubvan" was launched in Europe in June 2012 as a commercial van. It has now been released in Japan, not as a commercial vehicle, but as a distinctive van.

Text & Photographs by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

A Van for Customization

From 1960 to 1982, MINI offered a model called the "MINI Van." The "MINI Clubvan" is the modern interpretation of this "MINI Van." As its name suggests, it is based on the "MINI Clubman" and inherits the "Club Door" located behind the driver's door.

Instead of rear seats, it boasts the largest cargo capacity for a MINI at 860 liters. The most significant difference between the "MINI Clubvan" and the "MINI Clubman" is the inclusion of a cage between the luggage compartment and the passenger area to prevent items from shifting.

The footwells are fitted with 15-inch exclusive alloy wheels. In Japan, it is offered as a single grade: the "MINI Cooper Clubvan" paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Body colors are limited to three options: Pepper White, Ice Blue, and Midnight Black. Although it's a "Cooper," the roof, mirrors, and C-pillars are body-colored. The price is 2.82 million yen.

While the range of parts is limited, the rear of the car is full of MINI's characteristic playfulness. In the "MINI Clubvan," the area corresponding to the rear window on the "MINI Clubman" is covered with a body-colored panel, similar to the original "MINI Van." BMW is considering a free design sticker service, where stickers can be created from image data, allowing this area to be treated as a canvas for design.

At its European launch, the MINI Clubvan was strongly positioned as a distinctive van for delivery services. In Japan, however, it is targeted not only at businesses and sole proprietors for use as a company car, promotional vehicle, or mobile workspace, but also at individuals who want to express their personal style by customizing the rear side windows.

This "MINI Clubvan" will be exhibited at the "BMW" Group Studio in Marunouchi, Tokyo, from February 1st (Friday) to 12th (Tuesday). The "Dog Edition" shown in the photo and a custom model used by PUMA as a promotional car will be on display.

BMW Group Studio
Location | 1F, Marunouchi Building, 1-9-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours | 10:00 - 19:00