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With this second generation Clubman model, the British-based MINI brand sets its sights on premium hatchbacks like the Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3. Jonathan Crouch drives one.
Ten Second Review
The first modern-era MINI Clubman was launched in 2007 as the first truly practical MINI - but came with one key drawback: you couldn't have two rear passenger doors. This second generation model not only corrects that oversight but is also smarter, better equipped, higher-tech and more efficient. But can it set itself apart from the Hatch 5-Door and Countryman models in MINI's range? Let's see.
Background
It's hard to think of a modernday motoring success story to rival that of BMW's MINI. The Bavarians took the 60s design concept, super-sized it and made it the ultimate automotive fashion accessory for the early years of the 21st Century. But the car's cheeky compact size was both its greatest draw and its only real limiting factor. If the same design could be produced with a dash more practicality, couldn't many more customers be persuaded to join the great MINI Adventure?
The prospect was tempting, but the problem for the German designers was in creating a truly versatile family car that kept the original three-door model's essential MINI-ness. They'd already watched rivals Mercedes struggle - and fail - to develop the smart brand in the same way. What they eventually came up with in 2007 was this model, the MINI Clubman, an estate car, but not as we knew it. Curious, quirky and thoroughly individualistic, it was a perfect fit for a brand that has always been all those things. Nine years later, we got that car's successor, this MK2 model Clubman. With five proper doors this time round, a smarter look, extra space and all the MINI brand's latest technology, it's an intriguing prospect.
Driving Experience
So what's it like on the road? A little different from the MINI norm is the answer - but thankfully, not too different. No, it doesn't feel quite as sharp and frisky as the 5 Door Hatch model to drive, but then this is a larger, heavier car. Anyway, compensation comes with better refinement and far superior ride quality thanks to a purpose-designed multi-link rear suspension system. If you want to tweak the damping, an optional 'Variable Damper Control' control system allows you to do it, working through the 'Green', 'MID' and 'Sport' settings of the 'MINI Driving Modes' system, another extra-cost feature.
There's a familiar range of petrol engines under the bonnet. There's a three cylinder 1.5-litre unit with 136hp in the 'Cooper' version, while the Cooper S gets a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine with 178hp. That 2.0-litre powerplant has 306hp in the John Cooper Works version. Standard with all the engines is a 7-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
Design and Build
A MINI Clubman should always be distinctive amongst a sea of look-alike family hatches; it still is. The most recent changes to this model were minimal, perhaps the most notable one being the re-designed grille, which extends across the entire bumper. With a sleeker structure for the air inlet, it gives the front view a more distinctive appearance. The grille is bordered by a slim frame produced from a single piece. There are also circular LED headlamps. The grille is bordered by a slim frame produced from a single piece. There are also circular LED headlamps.
If your experience of BMW-engineered Clubmans goes back to the first generation version, you'll be pleased to find that the unique Minivan-style split rear doors for the loadbay still remain, though buyers these days have the option of opening them at the push of a button on the key fob or by waggling a foot under the rear bumper. The rear lights get full-LED illumination and are mounted on the rear doors, helping make the Clubman appear broader. The same effect is achieved by the wide-spaced twin exhausts on the Cooper S.
There are still plenty of MINI design touches inside too, including toggle switches, lashings of chrome and a circular theme running through the cabin. Look down at the wheel and you'll also notice the BMW 'i-Drive' style rotary controller which was introduced in the MINI hatch, this feature promising easy navigation of the built-in infotainment system which includes sat-nav on all models. The boot size is a respectable 360-litres - or 1250-litres with the rear seats down.
Market and Model
There are three models - Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works - and prices start from just over £27,000. Overall, the sums being asked are right around what you'll pay for an equivalent Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class or BMW 1-Series. If you're a keen driver, then the Clubman's performance and promise of go kart-like handling may be enough to seal the deal. A 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch is mandatory.
Options include fresh body colours and a sports suspension set-up. Standard equipment levels are pretty generous. Even base variants get a 6.5-inch colour infotainment screen, intelligent emergency call via an embedded 4G SIM card, a DAB digital radio, 'Apple CarPlay 'phone connectivity, ambient lighting, exterior MINI logo projection and automatic headlights with rain sensor. 'Sport' models include John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit and Spoiler, John Cooper Works Alloy Wheels, Sports Suspension, John Cooper Works Bucket Seats, John Cooper Works Steering Wheel and an anthracite interior headliner. Further up the range, there are 'Exclusive' alloy wheels, a chrome line exterior finish, 'MINI Yours' Lounge leather upholstery, a 'MINI Yours' leather steering wheel, 'MINI Yours' interior trim and an interior chrome line finish. Across the line-up, expect the usual range of MINI safety features, including ABS, stability control, traction control and optional adaptive cruise control.
Cost of Ownership
The 1.5-litre petrol 'Cooper' variant is notably economic, in manual form managing up to 47.1mpg and up to 135g/km of CO2. For the 2.0-litre petrol Cooper S, you're looking at up to 44.8mpg and 144g/km. For the 2.0-litre John Cooper Works, the readings are up to 38.2mpg and up to 169g/km.
Buyers should expect a standard 3 year 60,000 mile warranty, with fixed price servicing under MINI's TLC scheme a worthwhile option. Residuals have always been a MINI strongpoint, so your Clubman should retain a good chunk of its value when you come to sell. Just make sure you don't go overboard on the extensive options list. Speaking of options, try to keep any paint combinations on the tasteful side to maximise resale value.
Summary
The designers have done their damnedest to make this second generation Clubman a distinct and desirable model in its own right. The result is characterful but distinctly MINI - just as potential buyers will want. If you need a practical car from this brand and find the Hatch 5-Door model too small and the Countryman Crossover too quirky, then the Clubman may be for you a perfect fit. It certainly makes its BMW 2 Series Active Tourer donor car look a little bland. True, the 2.0-litre engines further up the range aren't quite as efficient as those you'll find in rivals but MINI is close enough to the pace in this regard for that not to matter very much.
It all means that if you want something compact but practical and a bit different, then this Clubman will probably suit. Either way, potential owners have to be people unafraid to fly in the face of convention. If that's you, then a bigger MINI adventure beckons.
