9:00pm Sunday 29th July 2007
By Maggie Hartford
Thenew Mini Clubman has received a warm welcome from workers at the Cowley factory where it was made.
Car workers said the eye-catching model had brought a smile to everyone's face.
Details had been a closely-guarded secret before the launch, though sharp-eyed motorists had spotted it on the Oxford ring road. It boasts a two-piece rear door - the trademark of the old Mini Traveller. The boot capacity is 930 litres - 250 more than the standard Mini- and there is more legroom.
Production line worker Adam Bagley said the new model had raised morale at the plant. He said: "You can see the change on people's faces as they see it coming towards them on the production line."
Fellow worker Robert Gray said: "The new shape is eye-catching and will certainly draw attention. You can see it will be a great seller."
Another worker, Krzysztof Granus, added: "The new car is great - everyone I work with is really excited about the new car."
Long waiting lists for the car are expected when it goes on sale in the UK in November.
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