Stockholm, SWEDEN – Mini has launched a few interesting models since BMW seized control of the Oxford-based company. If the three-door hatch is regarded the quintessential Mini by most motorists, the Clubman must be a close second. So, given that the newcomer’s larger than the five-door Cooper, does it still feel and drive like a Mini?
What is it?
It is Mini’s replacement for the previous-generation Clubman, but, more importantly, it is now significantly more practical than its predecessor.
Whereas the previous model offered the quirky single, side-rear door, the new Clubman offers a new level of practicality with the four-door layout – in conjunction with the traditional rear cabinet-style doors. It is a relatively big car (for a Mini!), especially if you are used to the previous generation model, but if you have experienced the current three- (or five-door) Mini, or the Countryman, the Clubman perfectly fits into the model range.
What about the interior?
There are several design and layout updates in the new Clubman. These include the boomerang inserts in the doors, which can display a selection of colours of ambient LED lighting, as well as further updates of the infotainment and safety systems.
However, the biggest surprise came when I sat behind the driver’s seat that was set up for my driving position at the time. I’m 1,87 metres tall, but I found I had enough head-, leg- and shoulder room to sit comfortably on the bench.
Furthermore, the rear seatback can also fold forward in a 40/20/40 configuration, which helps to maximise the utility capacity of the compact luggage compartment.
What’s it like to drive?
Driving enjoyment is undoubtedly the raison d’etre of every Mini product – the British marque is well aware of this fact. Although the Clubman shares its platform with BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer, the newcomer’s floorpan, fire wall and several other elements have been altered to allow the Clubman to offer that “Mini driving experience”. As a result, you sit low in the hatchback, but still have a good view over the bonnet to the edge of the car.
I drove manual and automatic versions of the Cooper S, which gives your right foot access to peak engine outputs of 141 kW and 280 N.m (300 N.m on overboost). When traversing the narrow and twisty back roads outside Stockholm, it’s swiftly apparent that the Clubman still offers that distinctive Mini experience. The steering is quick to point the car in your desired direction and the 2,0-litre engine eagerly revs to its redline, resulting in spirited progress. Needless to say, you soon forget you’re driving a “small estate car”!
One of unexpected benefits of the long-wheelbase (at least for a Mini), is that it absorbs some road irregularities better than the shorter wheelbase models. Having said that, the roads we experienced in Sweden rarely dished up nasty surprises.
For the first time Mini also offers an eight-speed automatic transmission. During normal driving, as well as spirited bursts, the transmission performed admirably. Should you wish to change gears yourself, you simply flick the gearlever left and push/pull it fore and aft.
As before, the manual gearbox is a joy to use with short and direct throws between each shift, adding a modicum of fun when driving the car in anger. However, for daily congested traffic conditions, the automatic transmission offers a more relaxed choice.
Summary
The Clubman represents a near-perfect evolution of its predecessor. It is the more traditional option, not least a better-looking product, compared with the Countryman. This Mini caters for buyers who require a more practical option than the three- and five-door models, but want to stay in the Mini brand, replete with its sense of style and respect of tradition. After all, in some overseas’ markets estates are preferable to crossovers!
Expect the Clubman to arrive in the first half of next year. For driving enthusiasts who are awaiting a higher performance variant, Mini has confirmed a JCW version is in the works.
