Mini Clubman production ends after 17 years

Uniquely styled Clubman Estate bows out as Mini reconfigures its Oxford plant to make electric Aceman and Cooper from 2026.

Published On Feb 06, 2024 05:06:00 PM

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The Mini Clubman has gone out of production after 17 years as Mini makes way for the introduction of the electric Aceman, its indirect replacement. The model was sold in India in second generation guise from 2016, although it went on sale globally in 2007 as an estate-bodied version of the Mini hatchback, complete with a novel vertically split tailgate. All versions of the Clubman were assembled at Mini's Oxford facility in Cowley, since it first went on sale as part of Mini's revival of its entire range.

The Clubman has now bowed out to make space for the Aceman crossover and petrol versions of the new Cooper (in three-door, five-door and convertible forms), which will be produced until 2030. Post this, the plant will only manufacture EVs following a combined GBP 600 million (around Rs 6,000 crore) investment from parent firm BMW and the UK government.

The Mini estate was initially launched as the Traveller in 1960, before being updated as the Clubman and then renamed as the 1000HL. After being axed in 1970, it didn't return until 2007.

The reborn Clubman was updated in 2015 for a second generation. It adopted Mini's signature circular daytime running lights, a feature still seen today, and ditched the unusual rear doors for a more conventional set up. There was also a John Cooper Works version that was introduced with 306hp.