The previous generation Mini Clubman is dead, long live the new more stylish Clubman, the most practical Mini ever… says Mini. If you have outgrown the Mini hatch or the five door version lacks leg room then perhaps the Clubman might be for you. The Clubman is essentially an estate, Mini style and measures 27cm longer and 7.3cm wider than the five door hatch. The Clubman’s wheelbase is also longer by 10cm so you really do get a little bit more space everywhere. And the most important aspect, the boot, is bigger too. Believe us it is. The Clubman retains it party piece, the rear doors split in two centrally. More importantly Mini also say the Clubman retains that go-kart like driving styling. Indeed Mini are not shy about boasting that the new Clubman offers the “highest level of ride refinement ever seen in a Mini”. The engine range will feature a familiar lineup from the hatch and five door variants. So expect the 1.5-litre petrol turbocharged, 3.0-cylinder unit in various power bands starting from 136bhp. The Mini Cooper D will be powered by the familiar 2.0-litre, 150bhp turbodiesel and the sportier Cooper SD version will generate 190bhp. Of course no Mini is complete without the ubiquitous Cooper S which will use a 2.0-litre petrol turbo powerplant generating 192bhp. Mini knows its owners cherish their cars and will spend a fortune on optional extras, thankfully sta-nav is standard. That 8-speed auto transmission is optional though. The new Clubman will retail in the UK from £19k for the entry level Mini Cooper Clubman and max out at £24k for the hotshot Clubman Cooper SD. The Clubman will seek to take on the Audi A3, Mercedes A Class and its BMW 1 and 2 Series cousins.