Mini Clubvan, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Mini Clubvan, 2013

The personality and hallmark driving fun of the MINI brand is coming to a whole new group of customers with the launch of the new MINI Clubvan.

Making its global premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the world's first premium compact delivery van has five doors, but only two seats. That means outstanding levels of practicality and storage, making it the perfect new member of the team for any business with an eye for style.

Key to the Clubvan's appeal is its spacious load bay. It extends from the wide-opening double doors at the back of the vehicle to a sturdy internal bulkhead immediately behind the driver and passenger seats. That's made from a solid aluminium lower section with a steel mesh upper, and stowed cargo can also be accessed through the two rear doors or via the Clubdoor on the driver's side.

The blocked-out rear side windows are body-coloured and feature interior polycarbonate reinforcement. Combined with tinted glass in the rear doors, it means the load compartment is both secure and concealed from prying eyes.

Inside, the cargo area stretches back 115 cm and, even at its narrowest point just behind the rear doors, is 102 cm wide. With the bulkhead to protect the driver and/or passenger, it can be loaded right to the roof which measures 84cm at its highest point. That means 860 litres of space and a maximum payload capacity of 500 kg.

The load floor is completely flat for ease-of-use, and both it and the side walls are trimmed in high-quality upholstery. Above, an anthracite roof liner runs the full length of the vehicle. Six heavy duty attachment loops are recessed into the floor at the sides to help prevent cargo from moving around in transit, while multiple 12-volt sockets can be used to power electrical equipment.

In common with all MINIs, the Clubvan will offer owners outstanding driving dynamics. Featuring powertrain and chassis technology from the Clubman, it comes with powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines. Three versions will be available; the 72 kW/98 hp MINI One Clubvan, the 90 kW/122 hp MINI Cooper Clubvan and the 82 kW/112 hp MINI Cooper D Clubvan. All come with MINI's familiar front-wheel-drive set-up, Electric Power Steering, MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and powerful brakes. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but an optional six-speed automatic transmission is also available.

Also standard are MINIMALISM features including Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand operation of ancillary units. These will help business users keep a tight rein on fuel consumption and offers exceptionally low running costs. For example, the MINI Cooper D Clubvan offers official combined fuel economy of 72.4 mpg, meanwhile CO2 emissions of just 103 g/km put the vehicle into an exceptionally low tax bracket.

Built in Britain at Plant Oxford, the Clubvan is true to the now-familiar MINI design language and features the same classic lines that have become the hallmark of the brand. Based on the Clubman platform, its exterior dimensions are identical to those of its sibling. It's 3,961 mm long, 1,683 mm wide and 1,426 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,547 mm. The Clubvan is the seventh unique member of the MINI family, selling alongside the Clubman, Hatch, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe and Roadster.

It is the first commercial vehicle to be offered since the MINI brand was relaunched under BMW's ownership in 2001. Because of that classification business users can claim back their VAT.

The newcomer's heritage can be traced back to 1960, when the original Mini - launched a year earlier - was joined in showrooms by the Morris Mini Van. With an extra 10cm in the wheelbase, closed-off load compartment and split rear door, it offered exactly the sort of workhorse capability that urban commercial users of the time required.

The new Clubvan is bringing that tradition of MINI practicality right up to date, while adding the brand's modern values of outstanding driving performance, high standard specification and exceptional style. The Clubvan comes with much higher specification than any comparable van in the segment with items such as DAB radio, air-conditioning, electric windows, anti-theft alarm and side and head airbags included as standard.

The MINI Clubvan is available in four exterior colours - Pepper White, Ice Blue, British Racing Green metallic and Midnight Black metallic. The roof, rear side window area, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps are body-coloured on all versions. The standard 15-inch Delta-spoke alloy wheels, which are exclusive to the MINI Clubvan, can be replaced by alternative 15, 16 or 17-inch alloy wheel designs.

The inside, black seats with Cosmos fabric upholstery, a black interior colour scheme and Fine White Silver trim strips are standard. The specification has been carefully considered to be in keeping with the functional and practical character of the vehicle. However, the interior can be customised to suit individual requirements. Options include black sports seats, which are available in Ray Cloth/Leather, Punch Leather or Lounge Leather.

Like every other MINI, the Clubvan can be personalised from the brand's extensive range of optional extras. These enhance comfort, convenience, driving enjoyment, safety and practicality. Expected to prove popular are xenon headlights, black headlight shells, adaptive headlights, automatic climate control, park distance control, automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors and a trailer hitch. The optional MINI navigation system, as well as MINI Connected, with the Google send to car service will keep the Clubvan heading in the right direction on its delivery runs.

The MINI Clubvan brings a new blend of sophistication and style to the business sector. Its blend of practicality and premium features means commercial customers could include caterers, event planners, small retail businesses or photographers. However, it will also appeal to some drivers with outdoor-based adventure hobbies such as cycling or mountaineering, where high-value equipment needs to be kept secure.

Retail prices, excluding VAT:
    MINI One Clubvan: �11,175
    MINI Cooper Clubvan: �12,475
    MINI Cooper D Clubvan: �13,600

Chevrolet Spark, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

•  Chevrolet Spark, 2013

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark mini car, introduced at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show, is the only car in its segment to offer a seven-inch color touch screen radio capable of displaying smart phone-based navigation, media and contacts for hands-free calling.

A sporty 4-passenger, five-door hatch updated for United States and Canadian consumers, Chevrolet Spark is designed to excite first-time buyers and city dwellers with its bold styling and colors, affordability, the safety of 10 standard air bags, fuel efficiency and maneuverability.

Though compact, Chevrolet Spark offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars such as the Fiat 500, Smart fortwo and the Scion iQ. Equipped with the 1.2L four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, Chevrolet Spark will offer competitive fuel economy.

Chevrolet's exclusive My Link infotainment system, which features the personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher internet radio, will be offered on 1LT and 2LT models when Chevy Spark goes on sale in the United States and Canada in mid-2012.

In addition to My Link, Chevrolet Spark is the only car in its segment to provide the added value of a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the safety and security of On Star.

The original version of the Spark is already on sale in Europe, Asia, Australia, Mexico and South America, where it has received several styling and safety awards.

Designed for those who live large and loud
Just as the Cruze helped strengthen Chevrolet's position in the small car segment with its more-than-expected value, the Chevrolet Spark is designed to challenge preconceived notions of how an affordable mini car can look, feel and drive.

While the Chevrolet Spark looks like a three-door hatch, designers cleverly disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. The technique gives Spark its sporty appearance without sacrificing four-door comfort and utility. An integrated spoiler over the rear hatch door enhances Spark's dynamic appearance while also improving the car's aerodynamics, for fuel efficiency.

Chevrolet Spark's wheels-at-the-corners stance is further emphasized by standard 15-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior styling enhancements include a new grille and front fascia, a longer rear fascia, and modified headlamps and tail lamps. Redesigned outside rear view mirrors also improve aerodynamics.

Uplevel features include matching rocker panel moulding, chrome brightwork at the beltline and liftgate handle trim, detail around the poke-through exhaust outlet and around the fog lamps.

Attention-grabbing exterior finishes include Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink, as well traditional hues such as Grey Area, Black Granite, Silver Ice and Summit White.

The inside of Chevrolet My Link infotainment system, included on 1LT and 2LT Spark models, provides a seven-inch color touch screen. With My Link, Spark buyers can bring their customized music libraries into the vehicle and use their smart phones and Bluetooth connectivity to access both Pandora and Stitcher internet radio and navigation. When the vehicle is stopped, owners can project video and even personal photo albums onto the screen.

Sirius XM Satellite Radio also is available on up level Spark models.
Air conditioning and power windows are standard across the Spark lineup. Color-coordinated interiors feature a lower instrument panel - with a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster - and lower center console for maximum visibility and storage. Decorative inserts in the front door and instrument panel add a premium touch, as does the ice blue ambient lighting and face plates across the door pockets and dash. Heated leatherette seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel are included on Spark 2LT.

Efficient powertrain saves fuel, money
In the United States and Canada, the Chevrolet Spark will be powered by a 1.2L dual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing that delivers an estimated 85 horsepower (63 kW). It is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission for competitive city and highway fuel economy. A four-speed automatic transmission will also be available.

The dual-overhead cam 1.2L was developed using best practices from GM Powertrain technical centers.

It combines competitive performance with sophisticated technologies such as dual continuous variable cam phasing, electronically controlled thermostat and low-friction engine oil to give customers an engine that is low- m aintenance, with reduced emissions and outstanding fuel economy.

Ride and handling
Spark's body-frame integral structure is tight and stiff for improved driving dynamics. The electronic power steering, Mac Pherson strut-type front suspension and anti-lock braking systems are designed to deliver taut, tight handling characteristics that better connect the driver with the road and provide outstanding overall stability. Stabili Trak electronic stability control is standard.

Spark is equipped with vented front disc and rear drum brakes with low-compressibility brake pads for optimal stopping performance and good pedal feel. Low-rolling resistance tires use a silica compound and revised tread design for a solid road feel and improved fuel efficiency.

Safety features include 10 air bags
Chevrolet Spark was designed with occupant safety in mind, and has won safety awards in both Europe and Korea.

Its safe design begins with a structure composed of 60 percent high-strength steel.

In addition to crash-avoidance technologies such as Stabili Trak and ABS, Spark is equipped with 10 standard air bags, including both driver and passenger front knee air bags to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries in frontal crashes. Dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags that extend over the front and rear seating rows are also standard.

Other safety technologies include rollover sensing system; three-point safety belts in all four seating positions; seat belt pretensioners in the front driver and passenger seats; the LATCH child seat attachment system; releasable pedals; adjustable head restraints; and a collapsible steering column.

Chevrolet Spark also is equipped with the On Star safety and security system, which uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash.