THE new Mini Clubman will go on sale in the UK on Saturday November 10.

Based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, the new car is a modern interpretation of its famous Mini predecessors taking into account all the demands and technologies of the 21st century.

It will be available from launch in three engine variants: Cooper D, Cooper and Cooper S.

The new model offers flexible use of space, easier access through innovative door concepts, more space for rear passengers and high levels of safety and customisation options, all without compromising the Mini's revered driving dynamics.

The new car takes inspiration and styling cues from the Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate, which enjoyed widespread success in the 1960s.

Combining enhanced functionality and versatility, the new Mini Clubman nevertheless stays true to the Mini design language with the retention of short body overhangs, wide track, a long wheelbase and the high shoulder line rising towards the rear.

The new Mini Clubman is 24cm longer than the hatch, signifying 8cm more legroom for rear passengers and the opportunity for Mini to enter the market with five seats.

Boot capacity has increased to 260 litres with the seats in place and up to 930 litres with the rear seats down. Access to this extra space has been made easier via the split rear doors - each with their own wiper - and innovative Clubdoor on the right-hand side which probably works better in foreign markets.

Modern high-performance engines, designed specifically for the 2nd generation Mini, feature new improvements to optimise fuel economy and emission management.

Auto start-stop, brake energy regeneration and a gearshift point indicator are standard on all variants and help the Mini Cooper D Clubman to achieve a low emissions figure of 109g/km CO2. The Clubman is the next body style in the Mini range to join the successful Hatch and Convertible models, which have sold more than one million models since 2001.

All three derivatives will be built at Plant Oxford, where £100m has been invested in the past two years to increase production up to 240,000 by 2008.

This is more than double the planned production prior to the first car coming off the line in spring 2001.

As with the Hatch models, the petrol engines will be assembled at Hams Hall in the Midlands and the body panels and sub-assemblies are from Plant Swindon.

This Mini production triangle' employs approximately 6,800 production associates in the UK.

The vast majority of cars for export are shipped out through Southampton docks.