Recalling the demand when BMW first launched the all-new Mini in July 2001, and that by the end of that year used examples were being offered by main dealers for more money than the original list price, there are suggestions that the arrival of the Clubman estate variant in the UK in November could see lightning strike twice.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
BMW hasn’t yet received the official residual value figures from valuation specialists CAP and EurotaxGlass’s – they’re due shortly – but internal calculations by the German-owned automaker predict a bright future for the Clubman.
Speaking at the UK launch of the car, Mini general manager Andy Hearn said: “We believe the three-year residual value figure for the car will be around 58%. The official figure for the hatchback is currently below that, at 56%.”
He believes customer demand for the Clubman will be strong, and up to 25% of production at the Oxford plant where all Minis are built is being devoted to the newcomer. The sales split is expected to be around 50% Cooper, 30% Cooper S and 20% diesel.
Each will cost around GBP1,200 ($US2,500) more than its hatchback equivalent, with prices starting at GBP14,235.
However, Mini buyers love their options and it’s possible to spend close to GBP25,000 on a fully loaded Cooper S.
With the launch of the Clubman, BMW has now resurrected all the original BMC/BLMH/MG Rover (etc.) Mini variants – hatchback, convertible and estate. But that doesn’t mean the range is complete. “Mini doesn’t stop here. There will be other models,” a company spokesman said.
