Mini spawns an estate - Clubman class

The longer wheelbase also allows rear doors to be fitted to a Mini for the first time - though only down one flank: the fuel filler gets in the way on the other side.

Still, there's a small improvement in accessibility and practicality, and a bit more legroom once inside.

At the rear, there are two side-hinged doors, as on the original Mini Traveller and Countryman, rather than a modern tailgate.

To give maximum loading width, they overlap the rear light clusters, which are fixed to the bodywork and are visible through cut-outs in the doors.

As in the hatch, the rear seats fold down to enlarge a load area that could best be described as compact. An optional false boot floor can be raised flush with the seats so that you get a flat load deck.

When it's in this higher position it creates a hidden storage area beneath.