Has MINI Jumped the Shark with Its Clubvan?

MINI is scheduled to unveil its Clubvan concept vehicle at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012. Though MINI said in a press release that its diminutive panel van “paves the way for an innovative vehicle concept without parallel in the premium small car segment… [and] combines the driving fun for which MINI is renowned with increased load-carrying capability,” there are many MINI fans who are worried that the way paved is a way better left alone.  
 
The concern, judging by the comments below at least one of the news stories about the Clubvan, is that the type of driver who wants “increased load-carrying capability” is not the sort of hipster who should be tooling about town in a MINI. By expanding its market, MINI runs the risk of deflating the niche that it has dominated for so long. 
 
However, only time and sales will tell if this move does indeed dilute the brand or actually lengthens its market reach. What cannot be denied is that the concept vehicle is a real looker. It’d be hard to imagine a cooler tiny five-door van. Also, for some folks, young couples probably, it could prove to be extremely functional, containing just two seats and an extended storage floor to their rear, and as always Mini insurance rates should be low.
 
More than just this expanse of space makes this van one begging to carry cargo. The Clubvan comes loaded with the little things, such as recessed attachment loops in the compartment floor, elasticized straps of various lengths, widths and heights and a partition grille to safely separate the seats from the cargo, that truly make this a functional vehicle. That is, if it can attract buyers.