Mini Clubman: first official pictures

You've probably seen enough spy shots to have gained a good impression of what the new Mini Clubman will look like, but these are the first official images of the Mini estate to be released by BMW, and they're the most accurate guide yet as to the finished look of the car.

We dug up these profile sketches from the press material given away by Mini at the Geneva motor show in March. Judging by them, the Traveller concept's 'suicide door' has been kept, to aid entry for rear passengers. Although you can't tell from these profile sketches, it only features on the passenger side. The split boot doors are also present on these images, evident from the panel gap that vertically bisects the rear panel and the boot.

Engines and chassis parts are shared with the new Mini hatchback. This means there will be a choice of 1.4-, 1.6- and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol units, plus the new diesel Cooper engine, which should be the favourite choice in this load-lugging Mini.

The Clubman will be unveiled this September at the Frankfurt motorshow, and go on sale in early 2008.

source: autocar.co.uk