It might not look it, but the second-generation R56 hatch is 60mm longer, thanks to reshaped rear styling. This meant an extra 10-litres of boot space, although on first look you’d be hard-pressed to notice any difference over the first-generation R50 and R53 versions. While you could buy a second-generation MINI hatch for the fun drive and handling, you wouldn’t for the boot space, as it was still tight. So, any added practicality to the MINI’s combination of retro looks and keen drive would open up the MINI brand to more buyers. That MINI model arrived in November 2007, roughly a year after the R56 hatch was launched, reviving the Clubman name last seen on the classic Mini estate that was discontinued 25 years before. Based on the R56 hatch, the R55 shared its more efficient and sophisticated Citroen/ Peugeot-supplied petrol and diesel engines, mated to a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
The Clubman wasn’t just a conventional estate version of the R56. No, the R55 had retro-styled twin rear barn doors, with distinctive contrasting silver or black panelling, which fitted around the
