2013 MINI Clubman Bond Street
With the hardtop, coupe, roadster, convertible, Clubman, Countryman, John Cooper Works, Paceman and even a Clubvan, the MINI range is more varied than it's ever been. Most are based on the MINI hatch, and there's no hiding the fact they are feeling their age in terms of interior layout — but for sheer variety, the MINI stable still holds its own.
The car being shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show is a special edition of the Clubman named Bond Street. This, as with all MINI special editions, is a district of London, and Brits know just how posh and snooty Bond Street is.
The new MINI reflects this accordingly: It has deep black paint with a contrasting champagne roof, rich leather for the dashboard and some decidedly premium-level trimmings throughout.
The price also reflects this accordingly: It's quite a jump up over a standard Clubman. For some, it will look rich and collectable enough to justify the dollar bump. The details still can't hide the fact the world is ready for a new MINI. Now.
More coverage from the Geneva Motor Show
2013 MINI Clubman Bond Street
2013 MINI Clubman Bond Street
2013 MINI Clubman Bond Street
2013 MINI Clubman Bond Street
What is it? MINI will tell you that the Clubman Bond Street is a "purpose-built ambassador for the British way of life and premium quality." Well, quite. All you need to know is that it's yet another special-edition MINI and it's named after one of London's top shopping destinations.
The U.S.-bound Bond Street will have a choice of two engines: the 121-horsepower 4-cylinder from the Cooper or the 181-horsepower 4-cylinder from the Cooper S. Standard features includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, climate control and a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 6-speed automatic is optional.
What's hot? The Bond Street features Midnight Black metallic paint and contrasting Cool Champagne for the roof, mirror caps, lower sections of the C-pillars and hood stripes. Inside, it offers exclusively designed sports seats and a leather-covered instrument panel. It would be fair to say this Bond has style.
What's not? This lavish extravagance comes at a price. At $30,500 for the 1.6-liter Cooper, it's $6,500 more than the regular Clubman. You have to love Cool Champagne to justify such a price hike.
How much and when? The MINI Clubman Bond Street goes into production in March and will reach dealers soon after. They will be available only for a limited time — so be quick.
MSN Autos' verdict: While the bits and baubles may appeal to some, we can't help thinking less is more with the MINI.
