MINI Celebrates Camping Season with Three Gear-Packed Concepts

Bedford, 08/06/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

MINI prides itself on making the most out of the space in its compact vehicles, and to show off that craft, the auto brand has revealed three camping-inspired concepts that house all the essential, and even the not-so-essential, gear for the great outdoors. Based on the MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman models, the camping concepts include the MINI Clubvan Camper, the MINI Countryman ALL4 Camp and the MINI Cowley.

Starting with the MINI Clubvan sold in Europe, which takes the MINI Clubman and turns the area behind the front seats into useful cargo area, the Clubvan Camper concept features a one-person sleeping berth and an extendable kitchenette with a gas stove and a small refrigerator. The modified model also offers a hand-held shower that uses water stored underneath the load floor. Meanwhile, leveraging the existing versatility of four-door Countryman models, the MINI Countryman ALL4 Camp sports a hard-shell case on its roof rack that opens up into a tent for two, with a folding ladder providing easy access for campers.

"While MINI's new camping concepts won't be sold at dealerships, many of their features could be replicated in the aftermarket, thanks to the flexible designs of the Clubman and Countryman," said Gary King, general manager of MINI of Bedford, a New Hampshire MINI dealer. "In most cases though, owners don't need to modify their MINI to fit in everything they need for their outdoor adventures, and they certainly have a lot more fun than if they were driving a large SUV to their destination."

The third MINI camping concept, the MINI Cowley, is a compact caravan towed behind a MINI Clubman that fits in two sleeping berths and a TV and DVD player. In the rear, the MINI Cowley opens up to a twin-burner gas stove, a sink and a variety of cabinets. Campers can also charge their mobile devices in the extra electrical outlets, which are powered by a solar panel.

Even in production form, the MINI Clubman and Countryman provide plenty of versatility for camping trips. The Clubman can comfortably accommodate four passengers or fit in up to 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and all that room can be easily accessed through a split-rear barn door. On the other hand, the MINI Countryman increases maximum cargo space to 42.2 cubic feet while adding the option of ALL4 all-wheel drive for when the road gets rocky on the way to trailhead. Owners also have enough space to install a bike rack on the back of the Countryman's open-wide tailgate.

"The MINI Clubman and Countryman are great choices for commuters who need a fuel-efficient ride for the work week but want something that can easily be loaded with gear for weekend activities in the White Mountains," added King. "Regardless of whether they're headed to work or play, drivers will never be bored on the road, thanks to the responsiveness of the Clubman and Countryman."

About MINI of Bedford:
MINI of Bedford is the first and only MINI dealership in New Hampshire, and their team is excited to be bringing motoring fun to Granite State drivers. Shoppers who visit MINI of Bedford online at www.minibedford.com, or in person at 209 S. River Road in Bedford, NH, will find a huge selection of new and used MINI models. Plus, the arrival of MINI to New Hampshire means that convenient MINI service is just around the corner. For more information or to schedule a test-drive, their friendly staff can be reached at 603-637-2900, and those looking for the latest dealership news can visit MINI of Bedford on Facebook at www.facebook.com/miniofbedford.