MINI gives sneak preview of all-new Clubman

MINI has previewed its all-new production-ready Clubman wagon ahead of its unveil at the Frankfurt motor show this September.

The dark, shadowy image with ‘Clubman’ badge illuminated appeared late last night is said to push the MINI wagon more mainstream.

Sharing the same front-wheel drive platform as the BMW 2 Series, the production version picks up where last year’s 2014 Geneva motor show concept left off by ditching the old car’s unusual twin-passenger door layout.

Instead, there’s four conventional doors and the wagon is significantly bigger than the car it replaces, being both 260mm longer, 161mm wider and 24mm taller.

Said to pinch its nose-styling from the well-received 2011 Rocketman Geneva show concept, the new MINI wagon is said to get a completely new interior - although expect the centrally mounted dinner plate speedo/satnav to live on in the new car.

Underneath, the MINI retains the BMW 2 Series’ independent rear suspension. Expect the Clubman to get the MINI hatch’s full range of three- and four cylinder petrol and diesels. A plug-in hybrid is also rumoured to be on the way and four-wheel drive could also be an option.

Expect many more teases in the next few weeks and months before the official Frankfurt reveal this September.