2008 Mini Clubman exposed early

Official photos of the 2008 Mini Clubman has been leaked early. And we scooped it up right away.

The Clubman rides on a stretched version of the traditional model’s platform, with the addition of a suicide-style rear-side door on only the passenger side to aid entry.

Power delivery will come courtesy of the 1.6-litre four, producing 120 hp and 160 Nm of torque, while the ‘S’-badged variant will benefit from a turbo, allowing the 1.6-litre four to produce 175 hp and 240 Nm of torque. European customers will also have their choice of a 110 hp 1.6-liter common rail diesel with 240 Nm of torque. Gearboxes include either a six-speed manual or optional automatic gearbox.

I want to like this vehicle, but with the barn doors in the back, only one rear-side door and a still-cramped rear seat, it is hard to think of it as anything more than a glorified work van.