2016 Mini Clubman (2nd Generation)

Mini Clubman Cooper 2019 review

Should I buy one?

If you weren’t going to buy the previous version of the Clubman, there’s nothing here that’s likely to persuade you to change your mind. Not only does it lack the practicality of the Golf but also that car’s all-round polish and poise.

Yet a Mini isn’t a car you buy with your head, and for some the Clubman’s combination of character, style and endless personalisation options, all with a sprinkling of family-friendly versatility, will be enough to seal the deal. And if you do want to take the plunge, the Cooper’s reasonable price (before options) and more rounded dynamics make it the pick of the range.

Mini Clubman Cooper Exclusive specification

Where Bruges, Belgium Price £24,850 On sale Now Engine three-cylinder, 1499cc, turbocharged, petrol Power 134bhp at 4,500-6,500rpm Torque 162lb ft at 1,580-4,100rpm Gearbox seven-speed dual-clutch automatic Kerb weight 1350kg Top speed 127mph 0-62mph 9.2sec Fuel economy 52.3-53.2mpg CO2 120-122g/km Rivals BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volkswagen Golf


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Most potent Minis ever: 225kW Clubman and Countryman hit SA

With the launch of the new Mini Clubman and Countryman John Cooper Works performance models in South Africa this week, you no longer need to buy a car with a BMW badge to access the company’s most potent four-cylinder engine to date.

That, folks, is the same version of the 2-litre turbopetrol that’s fitted to the BMW X2 M35i and M135i models. It produces 225kW between 5000 and 6250rpm and 450Nm from 1750 to 4500 revs, which - to be specific - is a whole 55kW and 100Nm more than the previous Clubman and Countryman JCW models offered.

Acceleration times improve by up to 1.5 seconds, according to BMW’s quoted figures, with the new John Cooper Works Clubman estate model darting from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and the heavier Countryman SUV trailing slightly at 5.1s.

Compared to the standard 2-litre turbopetrol, the JCW engine has a bigger turbocharger, as well as a reinforced crankshaft, main bearing with an extended cross-section, specific pistons, connecting rods, and a new vibration damper with optimised cooling. A modified exhaust system promising a livelier soundtrack is also something you can look forward to when purchasing one of these potent new not-so-mini Minis.

Currently this engine is not available in the Mini JCW hatch, although it is set to make an appearance in the upcoming GP edition.

PRICES:

Mini John Cooper Works Clubman - R642 000

Mini John Cooper Works Countryman - R708 000

 
Mini Clubman (2019) Launch Review

Summary

We spent the majority of our time on the launch with the Clubman Cooper S; it's arguably the pick of the litter. While we would have liked to spend more time with the JCW, we anticipate it would be devastatingly quick in the hands of a capable driver on a mountain pass (we're keen to give it a full review soon). The Clubman comes with all the convenience features you'd expect at over R500 000 and you can go to town with additional packages and personalisation options. It's a fun and quirky vehicle, but it still does the fundamentals right, and we like those at Cars.co.za...

Should you buy one? Well, Mini is a niche brand at it is and the Clubman is even more niche (if that was even possible). It's not going to be everyone's favourite Mini, but if you want to live that "Mini lifestyle" to the fullest and don't need to go the Countryman route, then give "the 6-door" a second look. We think you'd be pleasantly surprised by its versatility and practicality; besides, it has lost nothing of its endearing, playful nature.

Mini Clubman Price in South Africa (November 2019)

Clubman Cooper R433 000
Clubman Cooper S R511 000
John Cooper Works Clubman R642 000


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Next-gen Mini Clubman could be reinvented as an SUV

Mini looks to add size to the next-gen estate to help it appeal more to US buyers, and will shrink 3dr hatchback to improve its styling

Mini is considering an increase in the size of the Clubman for its next generation, turning it into an SUV, while at the same time working on ways to reduce the external bulkiness of its three-door hatchback model.

In the US, Mini is losing sales because it has only one SUV – the Countryman – which many Americans perceive to be too small to justify its purchase price. The shift towards SUVs has triggered a steep decline in hatchback and saloon sales, necessitating a dealer retrenchment.

Chief designer Oliver Heilmer hinted to Autocar that the next Clubman could move towards an SUV format. Currently, the six-door estate is only slightly shorter (4.26m) and wider (1.82m) than its Countryman sibling, and both occupy the same market pricing level.

 
REVIEW | Why the Mini Clubman is funky, fun and exhilarating

Highlights and wow factors include:

• Distinctive front design with newly designed radiator grille.
• LED headlights with Matrix function for the high beam.
• New LED fog lamps with driving light ring.
• LED rear lights as standard, optionally in Union Jack design.
• New body colours, new option Piano Black exterior.
• New light-alloy wheels.
• Sports suspension with vehicle lowered by 10 millimetres.
• New range of leather trims and interior surfaces. Here are your options:

MINI Cooper Clubman:
• 100 kW, 0 - 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, top speed: 205km/h
• Fuel consumption combined: 5.4 - 5.3-litres/100 km,
• CO2 emissions combined: 122 - 120 g/km.
• Price: R478 136

MINI Cooper S Clubman:
• 141 kW, 0 - 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, top speed: 228km/h
• Fuel consumption combined: 5.6 - 5.5-litres/100 km
• CO2 emissions combined: 127 - 125 g/km.
• Price: R559 812

MINI John Cooper works:
• 225kW, 0 - 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, top speed: 250km/h
• Fuel consumption combined: 7.0-litres/100 km
• Price: R689 189

If you are thinking about whether you should buy one, you should ask yourself if you would enjoy a car that's fun to drive, playful, funky, and exhilarating. If so, go ahead and order yours.

 
ROAD TEST: Mini Cooper S Clubman Steptronic

TEST SUMMARY

There remains much to like and admire about the Clubman. Yes, it’s priced more than R40 000 above the mechanically identical Cooper S five-door and some spec items such as the gearshift paddles and leather trim should be standard. However, viewed as an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz A200 and BMW 118i (the latter we rate very highly), the Cooper S Clubman offers better performance, more engaging driving characteristics and equally impressive interior appointments. That Audi A3 40 TFSI is tempting, however.

That said, there are many idiosyncratic reasons to consider the quirky Clubman, and they’re all those pleasurable qualities lacking in the accomplished but otherwise straight-laced Germans.


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Mini JCW Clubman Untold Edition

As a modern interpretation of the classic shooting brake concept, the MINI Clubman clearly stands apart from its competitors in the premium compact segment. This status is reflected in its individual body concept and stylish understatement and is now brought to bear to even greater effect in the Untold Edition. Its specific design features and a body finish in Sage Green metallic - available for the first time in the MINI Clubman - lend a charismatic look to the edition model, which will be available from March 2022.

Added to this are exclusive indications of hallmark driving pleasure, which in the case of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in the Untold Edition authentically emphasise the athletic power of its engine. The design of the front and rear aprons, inspired by the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit, reflects the model's extremely spirited and agile character, powered as it is by a 2.0-litre, 225 kW/306 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine. This outstanding power goes on the road via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and the all-wheel drive system ALL4. The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in the Untold Edition reaches the 100 km/h mark from a standstill within 4.9 seconds, accelerating on rapidly right up to the top speed of 250 km/h.


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Mini Clubman Final Edition

In 1969, the first Mini Clubman made a clear statement, which designer Roy Haynes put in these words: "The impression that only ugly things can be functional has disappeared." The exceptional car with style caused a sensation from the start between 1969 and 1981 with its characteristic split doors at the rear. At that time, the Mini Clubman conquered the automotive market as a station wagon with a long wheelbase and extended shooting-brake body.

For the new edition from 2007, the MINI Clubman delivers a modern interpretation of the classic shooting-brake concept. For access to the rear, there is only one door on the right side of the vehicle, which opens to the rear. With the third model generation from 2015, the MINI Clubman grows again to now 4.25 meters in length and becomes more spacious and comfortable thanks to the longer wheelbase and two full-sized rear side doors.

Together with the unique split rear doors, the MINI Clubman remains one of the most versatile MINI models to date. The spacious load opening makes it easy to load the luggage compartment, which currently holds up to 1,250 liters. Now limited to 1,969 units, the Final Edition cites the year in which the legendary Mini Clubman was created and combines the specific brand tradition with exclusive design elements and strong characteristics.


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Mini Clubman Final Edition revealed as £37,000 limited-run special

Special edition is limited to 1969 units worldwide with 100 available in the UK

The Mini Clubman has gained a limited-run Final Edition specification, which celebrates the British firm’s shooting brake-styled model with a unique design, some 16 years after the moniker’s revival.

On sale now in the UK with a price tag of £37,000, the Mini Clubman Final Edition is restricted to just 1969 units worldwide, with 100 available for buyers in the UK.

The Clubman Final Edition is based on the Clubman’s Cooper S specification level and is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 176bhp.

Like the standard Clubman Cooper S, it completes the 0-62mph sprint in 7.2sec and has a top speed of 142mph. It sits on a set of 18in wheels, which have a unique Final Edition design.

Equipment for the Clubman Final Edition is based on the Cooper S in Exclusive trim, with an 8.8in touchscreen, sat-nav Apple CarPlay, a reversing camera, parking sensors and a premium sound system included as standard.

However, the Final Edition stands out over other Clubman trim levels thanks to the addition of copper-coloured design features, seen on the grille surrounds, side scuttles and rear blades, alloy wheels and in the form of a four-stripe decal which runs down the side of the car.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mini-clubman-final-edition-revealed-£37000-limited-run-special
 
Mini Clubman Final Edition revealed as a £37k limited edition

Just 1,969 will be built, each packing a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 176bhp

It’s called the Final Edition, implying that the end of the road is nigh. Mini has revealed a special, limited edition of the modern Clubman, celebrating the year in which the wonky-doored original first launched.

That was 1969, and thus only 1,969 versions of this third-generation modern BMW-era Clubman will be built. Each takes the Cooper S as its base, which means a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powering the front wheels to the tune of 176bhp.

BMW quotes 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 142mph for the regular Cooper S, though considering this one’s a Final Edition, perhaps the 300bhp JCW and its rather more brisk acceleration (0-62mph in 4.4s) and 155mph top speed would have been a more bombastic end.

What this Final Edition offers over and above that regular Cooper S is the choice of black, white or silver body colours, ‘Shimmer Copper’ detailing about the body, new 18in alloys and of course, the obligatory ‘1 of 1969’ badge on the rear C-pillar.

 
Farewell, Mini Clubman! 10 ‘Final Edition’ Units for SA

The Mini Clubman is nearing the end of the road, with the BMW-backed brand having revealed a “Final Edition” model. And 10 units have been set aside for South Africa…

The Mini Clubman Final Edition has been revealed, effectively confirming the nameplate is fast nearing the end of production.

The BMW-backed brand plans to build 1 969 examples (celebrating the year the original Clubman Estate went into production), with just 10 units destined for South Africa. Local customer deliveries of the limited-run estate car are scheduled to start in the 4th quarter of 2023.

The outgoing F54-generation Clubman is defined by its split rear doors, which provide access to a load bay able to accept up to 1 250 litres. In South Africa, the range comprises 4 derivatives (including a John Cooper Works performance variant) with pricing bookends of R596 215 and R855 697.

So, what do we know about the Final Edition model? Well, it appears to be based on the Cooper S derivative, which means it employs a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 141 kW and 280 Nm to the front axle through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The obligatory 0-100 kph sprint should thus take a claimed 7.2 seconds, with top speed pegged at 228 kph.

 
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