Mini's Prototype Campervans Make Glamping Cool Again

Just when you thought Mini had taken niche motoring to the extreme with the John Cooper Works Paceman, they come up with a trio of camping concepts.

That’s right: Mini has designed three vehicles for camping duties, from a one-person Clubvan Camper with a bed, thermal curtains, a kitchenette and a shower (no, really), to the Countryman Camp with its pink paint and sparkly detailing. Just kidding: the awkwardly-named Camp has a roof-mounted expandable box-tent that’s just about fit for two, but you don’t get the kitchen or bathroom.

Then there’s the range-topping prototype version called the Cowley that we spent the night in. If you look close enough you’ll see a Nurburgring sticker on the back. And yes, it's been there: Mini reckons this is unofficially the fastest caravan ever to lap the ‘Ring thanks to power up front from a JCW Clubman.

So if you ever saw one being towed slowly you’d (maybe) be within your rights to hit it with an RPG. Anyway, smaller, faster caravans are a good thing and anybody who tries to argue otherwise is an idiot. Of the three concepts the Cowley is the one we like best, and here's what it's like...

What’s inside?

A double mattress is an excellent start, even if it does take up the entire space. As long as your missus doesn’t mind the lack of curtains over the side doors on this concept then it’s plenty big enough for two. If she grumbles, just fill it with pretty cushions and she’ll come around.

There’s also an aftermarket TV/DVD unit, cupboard space and an overhead fan to cool the interior down. You’ll want to hook the Cowley up to a big battery pack to keep it going on hot days, because there’s the fridge to worry about as well. Warm lager is never okay, even on a camping trip. You’ve also got two gas hob rings for cooking and a sink hooked up to a water tank. Awesome!

How roomy is it?

Compared to the sorts of caravans you see behind Korean MPVs, not very. But the Cowley is built for adventure and speed, not outright comfort. It’s comfortable enough as it is, and it’s got much more of a sense of camping fun than the boredom-boxes on the back ends of Hyundais.

A six-footer won’t be able to stretch out without lying diagonally, but most people will sleep happily even with someone else in there as well. The bed is set pretty high off the ground to make space for the water tank and chassis but it all seems kosher when you’re using it.

The ultimate short holiday vehicle?

You don’t get a shower like you do in the Clubvan Camper but you do get more space, more comfort and probably the coolest caravan in the world. Pair it with a Countryman (other tow-cars are available) with a couple of bikes or a kayak on the roof and you’ve got a serious piece of kit for an activity break wherever the hell you like. It’s the sort of vehicle that makes you remember why cars are so brilliant, and we love it.