I’ve always said that the only reason Mini ever produced the 4-door Countryman was because they were running out of 2-door ideas.

Clearly I was wrong because look what they’ve come out with now.

It’s a commercial, compact delivery van based on the Mini Clubman, only this one has had both its rear seats removed to make 860 liters of storage space.

Based on a 1960 Morris Mini van and targeted at upmarket commercial establishments (so stores in Greenside, Parkhurst and Cape Town exclusively then) the Clubvan is still as customizable as any other MINI.

You’re buying quality carpeting trim, a 12-volt socket in the cargo bay and a max carrying weight of 500kg.

Like the Clubman it’s a front wheel drive car with a 1.6-litre engine and an unburdened speed to 100 of 11.1 seconds.

Options include automatic transmission in case your delivery guy can’t drive manual, auto-stop/start in case you’re using it to deliver flowers and have a conscience for the environment and 17-inch wheels in case your driver has to ask for directions while lost in Boksburg.

Goes on sale in August 2012. Not likely in SA though.

Would you buy one, or are you too embarrassed to admit it?