The Korea Times

BMW Korea unveils MINI Clubman facelift

- By Kwak Yeon-soo yeons.kwak@koreatimes.co.kr

BMW Group Korea has added the facelifted MINI Clubman model to its lineup for the Korean market, the company said Monday.

The third-generation version of the MINI Clubman features improvemen­ts in design as well as technology and connectivi­ty functions.

Its front design includes a newly designed radiator grille, Matrix LED headlamps and Union Jackstyle wheels.

The MINI Clubman’s new body colors, which include Indian Summer Red, and new side mirror cap designs also help bring a refreshing look.

The new car model is equipped with an infotainme­nt screen with teleservic­e, Apple CarPlay, intelligen­t emergency call, real-time traffic updates, online search and connected services. It also comes with automatic lights and wipers, LED mood lighting and MINI logo lamps.

“The brand strategy for the new MINI Clubman was to sharpen its iconic brand profile and reconnect with the creative class,” a MINI Korea official said.

“We also aimed to broaden the target group, which includes mature connoisseu­rs, cool families and business customers.”

Regarding its key message “open more door,” the company said the facelifted model is aimed at supporting the younger generation to gain confidence and style on every occasion while allowing the older generation to gain fresher, livelier tastes.

The new Clubman models are available with gasoline or diesel engines, except for the convertibl­e. The engine portfolio for the new MINI Clubman includes two 3-cylinder and one 4-cylinder gasoline engines along with three 4-cylinder diesel engines.

The gasoline MINI Clubman is currently on sale whereas the diesel-powered model is set to be released later this year.

The company said it expects to sell over 10,000 MINIs — including the MINI three-door, fivedoor, Clubman, Countryman and Convertibl­e — in Korea this year.

“Marking MINI’s 60th anniversar­y this year, we expect to sell over 10,000 MINI models in Korea,” the official said.

In the January-September period, BMW Group Korea sold 7,438 MINIs, up 9.3 percent from 6,803 a year earlier.

The price for the MINI Clubman starts at 36.4 million won ($31,010).

 ?? Courtesy of BMW Group Korea ?? MINI Korea product manager Ye Sung-jun speaks during a press conference for unveiling the facelifted MINI Clubman model in Seoul, Monday.
Courtesy of BMW Group Korea MINI Korea product manager Ye Sung-jun speaks during a press conference for unveiling the facelifted MINI Clubman model in Seoul, Monday.

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