www.womanthismonth.com October 2016 83 Cutting-edge yet reliable, comfortable yet versatile, the MINI Clubman embodies the new MINI generation’s mantra of innovative design, authenticity and long-term value, its makers say. Since the launch of the Clubman, MINI has emerged as a symbol of innovation, and the preferred choice of the creative class – the group of highly educated, supercreative, innovative, boundarypushing, individualistic, open and diverse members of society. It has been an exciting journey for the brand, which coasted into the collective consciousness in 1959. British Motor Corporation (BMC) enlisted the help of designer Sir Alex Issigonis, who came up with a two-door, four-cylinder engine car, featuring front-wheeldrive, a monocoque shell and incredibly compact dimensions. Over the next few years, MINI blazed a trail through the automotive and cultural scene with an attitude that was part enigma, part energy and all confidence. Production on the original MINI – in all of its shapes and forms – continued until 2000. In that time, it became the bestselling British car ever, with 5.3 million sold worldwide. In 2009, as it turned 50, MINI celebrated its heritage with the release of two limited edition models, the MINI 50 Mayfair and the MINI 50 Camden. The presence of the two commemorative models was indicative of the rising prominence of the brand in the Middle East with year-on-year growth in sales. In 2011, the MINI achieved two major milestones in the Middle East – its strongest ever growth (77 per cent) since the brand was launched in the region and the debut of the MINI Countryman, the first MINI model with four doors. The global debut of the Countryman took the MINI brand off-road and launched its fourdoor crossover SUV. The design offers the original MINI Cooper’s agility with increased space, capabilities, safety and quality, its makers say. Carrying forward the racing legacy of the original MINI Cooper, the John Cooper Works subbrand is an exclusive and highperforming model for those craving speed and performance. With top-of-the-range power, speed and acceleration, trim options and added extras, it is a greatlyenhanced version of the original. MINI’s grand reign as the “biggest small car” continues to this day with five core models with strong characters – the MINI Hatch three-door, MINI Hatch five-door, MINI Countryman, MINI Clubman and the MINI Convertible – in addition to the high-performing John Cooper Works models. The journey continues for MINI, as it crafts a new MINI lifestyle and sparks the imagination of a new generation of dreamers and achievers, visionaries and creatives. showcase THE SMALL CAR FOR BIG DREAMERS EURO MOTORS This model has not only carved out a niche in the premium-compact segment, it also marked the launch of this iconic brand’s new visual identity.
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