The interior MINI Clubman Hampton Edition

The interior is upgraded with a new leather steering wheel with red stitching, gearshift knob with red shift pattern lettering, plus a leather handbrake boot featuring -what else- red stitching.

In addition, the package will include Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which has a special mode that raises the intervention thresholds of the stability control system, as well as EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control.) These two features are on top of the already-standard stability system, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control.).

New Concept 2012 MINI-Paceman

In these modern days it is probably fairer to compare it to like priced cars such as the Volkswagen Golf. While you get slightly better class trim in the VW you won't be making the same statement. So you are really trading style for finish when it comes to these cars.

For 2010, the first nine months saw the group selling a massive 114, 869 vehicles within the UK and if this is compared to the same period last year as seen an increase of 10.4%.

New Concept 2012 MINI-Paceman

MINI Paceman Concept for Production

One of our family favourites was the Mini Countryman. This was the stretched estate version of the classic salon shape. It also had the later 1275 Clubman style front. A lot of changes from the original, but it still somehow looked like a Mini.

Did we love our old Countryman because it was a nice looking car? Well, no not really. We loved it because unlike the saloon version, we could get some luggage in it and go away for the weekend in relative comfort.

The Managing director of BMW UK has stated that the group have seen both BMW and MINI brands outperforming the market this year on the back of a strong new product and a successful market introduction of the BMW 5 series, Scotland has been involved heavily with promotion and sales of the saloon as well as Touring models, the X1 and the MINI Countryman.

MINI Paceman Concept for Production

The upcoming Mini Countryman

I have always had a soft spot for the original design Mini. It played a part in my childhood and also my youth. Back in the 80's and 90's it seemed like almost everyone had one. Cheap, fun and good-looking little machines. I'd love to add reliable to that list, but they had various issues.

BMW Groups position within UK sales figures looks strong with further models coming into the mix and the increasing popularity of mini car deals, Scotland is adding massively to the sales figures and the BMW Group will be fulfilling their market demand in the lead up to the UK VAT change in January.

Interior and Exterior: 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman is armored

The main difference between the 2010 and 2009 Clubman is how the engine gets oxygen. The 2009 model has variable valve timing, or VVT engine and not turbocharged. The engine is still an I4 with 1.6 liters and a fully electric throttle. The VVT engine, however means that the oxygen is less compressed before it reaches the combustion chamber. This cuts down on this small car's "vroom" factor and lowers the reported gas mileage for city driving. The 2009 is rated to get 25 miles per gallon in the city.

Interior and Exterior:

One of the main advantages of Cooper Clubman over regular Mini is its rear seat legroom. Cooper Clubman's rear seat access doors are much easier to reach due to its position. Interior of this sedan is particularly larger for average adults. Luggage compartment of this car is quiet good and 50 percent larger than regular Mini car. However luggage space can be increased by folding rear seat. Like regular Mini car even Cooper Clubman is offered with retro inspired controls and oddly placed stereo control knobs have been rectified which presents attractive looks and easier operation. Some of the convenience features offered with this model are front console with storage compartment, rear and front cup holders. Manual rear seat easy entry, front seat back storage, electric speed proportion power steering and remote trunk release. Interior options available with 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman are cargo net, MINI connected navigation system, color rooster red interior trim, carbon black interior shade, Gravity leather, Punch leather, Lounge Leather and central arm rest.

Interior and Exterior: 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman is armored

2011 Mini Countryman Pictures

2011 Mini Countryman Front View2011 Mini Countryman Test Road2011 Mini Countryman Side View2011 Mini Countryman Photo2011 Mini Countryman Rear View

2009 Mini Cooper Convertible Pictures

2009 Mini Cooper Convertible Pictures

Mini remains as the top used car performer says Lex

Lex has published its top 20 used cars list which reveals the models that are going to be worth the most in the second hand market.

In 2007 not surprisingly those new models that are in current short supply have the best future residual value.

Top of the used car pile is the MINI, continuing where it left off in 2006. Lex reckons that Cowley’s finest will be worth 54% of its original cost new price based on a typical three year/60,000 mile contract.

In the second and third place are the stylish TT and A5, which together with the A3, Q7 and Cabriolet put more Audis in the Lex list than any other car maker.

Surprisingly the Lex list shows the anti-4x4 lobby has not hit residual value predictions, with no less than seven in the top 20, including the new Land Rover Freelander, Honda CRV and Mercedes M Class.

Bread and butter fleet cars have struggled to get anywhere near the top 20, but the nearest are the Audi A3 (7th) and the BMW 3 series (18th) which between them enjoy strong fleet sales. Volvo’s C30 is the only true three door hatchback in the top 20 at number nine.

There is only one green entry – the Toyota Prius in 15th place, while the Porsche Boxster, for so long top of the Lex list, has fallen to 14th. This shows how a car’s residual value halo can slip when a volume of cars start to appear in the used market.

“Most used drivers aspire to the same credentials as a new car buyer, that of style, exclusivity and reliability and that’s why this list is the way it is,” said Steve Jones, Lex Pricing Manager.

“Those used buyers who can’t afford a new Mini or Audi TT may well be able to stretch to a used one in two or three years time so they will be in high demand, thus pushing up prices,” he added.

Ranking Model % of Original Cost New Price

1	MINI	54%
2	Audi TT	52%
3	Audi A5	51%
4	Range Rover Sport	50%
5	Mercedes Benz SLK	49%
6	Mercedes Benz C Class	49%
7	Audi A3	48%
8	BMW X5	47%
9	Volvo C30	47%
10	Land Rover Freelander	47%
11	Toyota RAV4	46%
12	Nissan 350Z	46%
13	Honda CRV	46%
14	Porsche Boxster	45%
15	Toyota Prius	45%
16	Audi Q7	45%
17	Mercedes Benz M Class	45%
18	BMW 3 Series Coupe & Convertible	45%
19	Audi Cabriolet	44%
20	BMW 1 series	44%

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