MINI has always had a reputation for providing the coolest cars on the road and its latest arrival - the Clubvan - is no exception.

It's ideal for small businesses who want to turn heads and attract plenty of attention as they pass by advertising their wares as they go.

It's fun and funky, practical and economical and is guaranteed to top many small businesses' wish-list.

The Clubvan does all the necessary cargo-lugging chores expected of a compact van, but achieves it in traditional MINI style with all the driving dynamics and fun that is associated with the brand.

Based on the Clubman estate, the Clubvan also has two doors the driver's side and just the one on the passenger's side and the built-in technology carries all the MINI trademarks with the large central dial, toggle switches, circular air vents and gadgets galore.

Occupants are protected from any cargo by a metal grid and there is also a high shelf to stop anything sliding forward.

There are split rear doors which offer access to the 860-litre payload and there are plenty of nets and fastenings to keep more fragile items safe and secure.

The model I drove - a MINI Cooper D Clubvan - was priced at £17,055 (£14,257 excluding VAT) and it also featured an additional £4,444 of optional extras.

It can reach 62mph from a standing start in 10.2 seconds and has a top speed of 122mph. According to MINI, it can achieve 72.4mpg and has CO2 emissions of 103g/km.

The Clubvan has a six speed manual transmission which proved nice and responsive and the 1.6-litre diesel-powered engine delivered plenty of oomph with a constant supply of power on tap.

The part leather seats offered ample support and the all-round visibility was good apart from the criss-crossed protective metal grid which resembled a game of Battleships every time you checked the rear-view mirror.

Admittedly, there was a fair amount of engine noise, but it wasn't too bad and the excellent sound system easily coped with the task of drowning it out.

Creature comforts are plentiful and include a multi-media system with CD player and DAB radio, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights, sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity, air con and plenty more besides.

During the drive I was amazed at how much attention the vehicle attracted from onlookers. Maybe the black alloys and roof-rails were key factors, or possibly the fact that one of the all-time favourite models had been turned into a van.

But whatever the reason, there's no denying the fact that the Clubvan oozes MINI character and DNA throughout and is a very welcome addition to the small business fleet market.

It's a clear reminder that load-lugging needn't be boring anymore.