VANS are not normally considered to be cool but all that changed when MINI decided to shake things up with the new Clubvan.

The Clubvan is the first commercial vehicle to be converted from a premium car and there is nothing else quite like it on the road.

Just as much fun to drive as any other MINI, the Clubvan is more about style than carrying capacity.

Based on the MINI Clubman, the rear seats and windows have been removed and a flat floor space has been created which provides up to 860-litres of load space.

A mesh divider separates the cabin from the business end and the rear is less basic than most vans with the roof getting a proper liner and the side walls being trimmed with carpet.

The Clubvan will appeal to owners of small business who want to catch the eye of potential customers by driving something quirky.

Up to 500kg of payload can be moved at any one time and the Clubvan is fitted with attachment loops to prevent loads from shifting.

I sampled the Cooper D model which is probably going to be the most popular model in the range and from behind the wheel it feels just the same as the Clubman version.

The 1.6-litre turbodiesel offers bags of pulling power and produces 110bhp resulting in lively performance. This van will sprint to 62mph in 10.2 seconds and has a top speed of 122mph.

At the same time it is very efficient with emissions of just 103g/km and a combined 72.4mpg.

Equipment on this model is very generous and includes alloy wheels, air-con, trip computer and electric windows and mirrors.

The Clubvan only comes in four colours and prices start from as little as £11,100 excluding VAT. Owners will be able to decorate the panel sides to promote their business so they should really stand out from the crowd.

It is just as much fun to drive as the car it is based on and drivers will have to keep their enthusiasm in check to make sure that their goods in the back stay in shape.