Model Update

What’s to update from the Mini corner? A freshen up on the exterior and a few new additions to the cabin features make the good-looking Mini Clubman more up-to-date then ever.

Under the hood are some power-enhanced engines. And if you’re concerned with how your car affects the planet, then you’ll be pleased to note that the Mini Clubman offers very low carbon emissions. Just check out the Mini Clubman D’s emissions figures. Belching a mere 99 g/km of carbon into the atmosphere, boasting only a 4.0 litre/100 km average fuel consumption figure, and having the ability to run the 0-100 km/h dash in under ten seconds, you’re in for a treat.

The Mini Clubman has more length than the other models in the line-up, and is therefore a little more practical in terms of luggage carrying ability. Amazingly, the well built little Minis feel very solid but offer a light, trim weight, making each model quick and very responsive whether for acceleration or steering.

The Mini Clubman is the estate version, and the BMW built car boasts a very comfortable, very unique interior that is all part of the overall package of fun that a new Mini Clubman provides. Owning a new Clubman is like drinking fizz instead of cordial, like playing the game rather that being a spectator. Active, people who enjoy their own identity are sure to fall in love with the Clubman’s sporty lines and punchy engines.

Automatic air-conditioning, blue tooth connectivity, a rain sensor, an automatic headlight activation system, USB audio interface, Hi-Fi sound systems, bonnet stripes and roof designs are just a few of the cool features that can be found onboard a new Clubman.

Six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearboxes keep the Clubman moving swiftly and efficiently. A 90 kW, a 135 kW and a 155 kW petrol engine are offered for powering the Clubman. This also provides the buyer with plenty of choice for their engine. And mark my words, these are highly entertaining engines – no more so than the rorty turbo model that has the JCW performance engine lurking under the bonnet.

There is a buzz in the air, and the chic new mini Clubman is providing the excitement. This car has roots that go way back to the 1960s, and what BMW has had fun doing with the Mini Clubman is creating all the same design cues of the old version, and introducing the new technologies and requirements of the modern day motorcar.

What the Clubman brings to the Mini family is extra space for rear passengers (8cm more legroom than in the hatch) and extra space for luggage – which some would say is timely. While creating extra space (24cm in overall length), the engineers at BMW have been very careful not to lose any of the tasty and revered driving dynamics of the shorter Mini versions. Everything to the B-pillar is pretty much the same as any other smaller Mini; however, the rear tailgates have two piece split-door hinges on the outside, and the rear doors open up to the left and right offering convenient access to the rear. To ensure clear visibility at all times, the two doors come with separate windscreen wipers. To gain entry to the rear seats you open a small “suicide door” (Yes, it really is called that and this is not a misprint) that opens toward the back of the vehicle. These doors are quite dinky and very effective and, for safety reasons, these doors can only be opened when the front door is open. These backward opening side doors are known as a “Clubdoor” and do not require an outside door handle. The chunky rear light clusters on the Mini Clubman are a very chic and up-to-date design. The longer roofline accentuates the little Mini’s “cuteness”, and with its high waistline, the Mini Clubman has such a sporty appearance. There are many exterior paint colours to choose from, but the colour “Hot Chocolate” is reserved for the Mini Clubman only.

BMW have made a superb effort in the well equipped interior. All materials in the cabin have a quality feel about them, with many lovely textures and colours utilised.

The Mini Clubman has three engine power plants available for the buyer, and the Mini Clubman goes like any Mini should – quick. The handling is therefore speedy and delightfully well balanced, giving the driver plenty of feedback and lots of entertainment – especially round corners. Each engine type has plenty of zest and loves to be driven right up through the revs. The willing Mini Cooper S Clubman is powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger complete with intercooler. Maximum output is a superbly entertaining 135 kW at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm. And amazingly, 100km/h can be dispatched in a rapid 7.5 seconds. And, if you feel like it, the engine can take you up to the giddy heights of 225 km/h. This performance package won’t cost you the earth either, as a combined fuel consumption for the Mini Clubman S is a polite 6.5 litres/100 km.

The Mini Cooper Clubman has the 1.6 litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine and features variable valve management, based on BMW Valvetronic technology. Maximum power still packs a fine punch at 90 kW. Top speed in this guise is around 200 km/h and fuel economy, amazingly, is under 6 litres/100 km.

Whatever your tastes, there is sure to be a Mini Clubman that will warm your heart strings. So… enjoy!

The current model series includes the:

• Mini Cooper Clubman
• Mini Cooper S Clubman
• Mini John Cooper Works Clubman

For any more information on the Mini Clubman, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mini dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to Mini Car Reviews