Since its launch in the mid-noughties, the Clubman has always been somewhat of an oddball in the MINI range, due to its chunky styling cues and unconventional barn doors. As it sits in the C segment, along with competitors like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, unconventionality can be both a hindrance and a blessing. But what of the new Clubman?

MINI has clearly cut back on some of the Clubman’s eccentric styling cues and incorporated some traits of the Hatch model, although it still retains its barn doors at the rear. This means the Clubman manages to have a more mainstream appeal but also remain a leftfield choice. MINI has actually said that the new Clubman is an essential piece of the brand’s design direction for the future. 

Thanks to tweaked dimensions and engineering, the Clubman is now more practical and powerful than the last model and although it looks lengthy from a side profile, due to its high beltline, it is actually 2mm shorter than a VW Golf. With expected first year sales of 10,000 in the UK, the new Clubman should end up a fairly familiar sight on the road – so let’s see what it’s got to offer.

Performance

There are four engines to choose from at launch. The entry-level option is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol producing 134bhp, which offers a zero to 62mph sprint time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 127mph.

The other petrol offering is the hot hatch Cooper S Clubman 2.0-litre four-cylinder derivative, which boasts an output of 189bhp and a benchmark sprint time as quick as 7.1 seconds. This engine also offers a top speed of 142mph.

Those looking for a balance of power and fuel economy will go for the Cooper D Clubman diesel variant, which is also a 2.0-litre unit but offers a more conservative 148bhp. It still, however, offers a zero to 62mph sprint time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 132mph. If you want a diesel with more torque and power then go for the Cooper SD Clubman. This has 187bhp and 400Nm of torque, completing the sprint in 7.4 seconds.

Alongside these engines is a choice of either a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic transmission. For driver involvement the manual is brilliant, with slick changes and a very sharp feel. The new auto ‘box is also impressive as it can keep up with changes in driving style with ease and appropriately bounce the revs high on downshifts when needed.

Ride and Handling

Pushing it hard into sharp bends can result in minor understeer, but this can be easily ironed out by lifting off the throttle ever so slightly, tucking the nose back in.

Although its wheelbase is 100mm longer and its body 270mm longer than the five-door Hatch, the Clubman still feels extremely agile on the road. In fact, the only time you feel the added beefiness of the Clubman is when navigating things like tight, city traffic.  Like the Hatch, the steering has reassuring weight to it, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where the front-wheels are pointing and really chuck it into bends. Pushing it hard into sharp bends can result in minor understeer, but this can be easily ironed out by lifting off the throttle ever so slightly, tucking the nose back in. The brakes have plenty of grab as well, which adds to its confidence-inspiring feel on the road. The suspension is on the stiff side, so when it comes to enthusiast driving, the Clubman is incredibly well-planted. However, take it on slightly even roads and it can be a tad uncomfortable, something an adaptive suspension would sort out. This stiff set-up also results in a fair amount of road noise at motorway speeds and there is faint wind whistle from the A pillars.

Interior and Equipment

According to MINI, the Walk Nappa leather upholstery offered in the MINI Yours leather lounge package is of better quality than anything currently offered in a BMW.

The Germanic BMW vibe is clearly evident in the Clubman’s cabin, with neat highlights and trims aplenty. The MINI feel is still at large though with a circular infotainment screen that comes accompanied with mood lighting, a speedometer mounted on the steering column and aviation-style toggles and switches. Every Clubman model comes equipped with the likes of 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, start/stop technology and the MINI navigation system. Unlike the previous-generation Clubman, the Pepper Pack is now incorporated into the standard trim, adding extra kit. That means that the big decision is whether you go for the optional Chili Pack (£2,785), which adds the likes of leather upholstery, heated seats, parking sensors, auto air-con and LED headlights.  MINI insist that this package is well worth the investment as it significantly boosts the Clubman's residual value. Half of Clubman customers are expected to opt for this package. As with other MINI models, the Clubman is available with a long list of optional extras, such as silver wing mirror caps, Anthracite roof lining and what MINI calls its ‘MINI worlds’. The MINI worlds essentially act as personalised colour themes for the car. When it comes to practicality, the Clubman doesn’t feel like a MINI. There is tons of leg and head room for rear passengers and up to 360 litres of boot space. There is also the option to fold the middle passenger seat down independently. Also, the barn doors at the rear can now be opened remotely by the key, or by waving your foot under the tailgate.

Cost

For around the same money you can buy a well-specified VW Golf R-Line. You do get a lot in return though, such as residual benefits and, of course, more gadgets to play around with.

What you are essentially buying is a mini BMW. And for that, it is going to cost you. Base models come in at nearly £20,000, although go for a popular choice like the Cooper D Clubman with the optional Chili Pack, and you are looking more towards the £25,000 mark – and that’s before any other personal touches like colour inserts. The BMW 3 Series saloon actually starts from under £25,000. For around the same money you can buy a well-specified VW Golf R-Line. You do get a lot in return though, such as residual benefits and, of course, more gadgets to play around with. The most frugal option in the Clubman range is unsurprisingly the Cooper D derivative, emitting as low as 109g/km of CO2 and claiming an average of around 69mpg. These figures are on par with rivals.

Our Verdict

The Clubman has managed to breakaway from its oddball looks and yet retain its unique appeal. Its engines are impressive, it handles well and its interior continues to grow more and more premium. It evens manages to defy practicality expectations and offers oodles of passenger space. As ever, pricing is the big decider. If you can afford it, then you will be chuffed to bits with the Clubman. But, if you start to weigh up affordability with competing models then you may find yourself veering away from the MINI badge.