Autoblog

Although the MINI Clubman has proved to be the worst kept secret from any automaker in recent memory, the one unknown is how BMW's boffins would engineer and design the interior of the stretched Cooper. We knew it would retain the same funked-up, yet toned-down aesthetic of the new R56 MINI, and these stellar shots provided by Gabe over at MotoringFile tell the tale.

Even thought the third, suicide-hinged door on the passenger side will aid ingress and egress, it's still a move best attempted with the front seat tilted and moved forward. The oval inset trim that defines the doors is present fore and aft, with the third door slicing into both shapes. The semi-circular handle allowing passengers inside to open the door seems a bit out of place among the other elements, but we'll reserve judgment until we see the whole package in the next few months.

We're digging the wood-rimmed wheel and brown leather chairs, but we're really looking forward to seeing the Clubman in its exclusive Chocolate hue. Clicking the image above will send you over to MotoringFile where several other photos await.

[Source: MotoringFile]