MINI Cooper Clubman 2016 Review

MINI Cooper Clubman
Road Test

MINI is progressively rolling-out the third-generation of its BMW-ised model line-up, with the Clubman 'estate' now gracing Australian shores. It's available as the 1.5-litre triple-cylinder Cooper we are testing here and as the more powerful Cooper S. With its rear barn doors, and lengthened body and wheelbase, the new Clubman offers something rarely associated with this brand previously … functionality.
Ever since BMW started with 'New MINI' back in the early noughties there's been plenty of different spin-offs from the original two-door concept. There was the strange coupe with its helmet roof, the sad looking Countryman off-roader, and its weird Paceman spin-off.

The first iteration of the remade Clubman 'estate' launched here in 2008 was blighted in right-hand drive markets by having its single rear suicide door open on the left-side, so passengers had to step out into traffic.

The cost of putting the door on the gutter-side for right-hand drive markets was apparently too much for BMW to bear. Funny haven't noticed too many financial losses being announced by the German luxury car maker of late...

This time round there's no drama with rear doors, because they open conventionally and are on both sides. Combine that with the familiar barn doors at the rear and the Clubman goes from being a bit silly to pretty sensible.

In addition to getting the doors right, the Clubman is based on a longer wheelbase version of the MINI's UKL architecture that helps make it substantially longer and wider than its predecessor – and the biggest MINI ever.

So not only do rear-seat passengers have a door on both sides to use (fancy!) they also have enough kneeroom to make a rear-seat journey survivable adult-behind-adult, or even comfortable if it's the kids being hauled about. And if they're not spending too much time at Maccas then three will fit across the bench seat.

There's also another 360 litres of luggage space behind the rear seat. Split-fold the 40:20:40 bench-seat down and that expands to 1250 litres. That's real carrying space. A mountain bike will comfortably fit with the front wheel removed.

But it's not all about functionality. Press the remote and the right rear door swings open. Press it again and the left rear door follows suit. It's a cool party trick that you can play on unsuspecting passengers as they approach the car. Unfortunately, they don't close at the click of button, instead requiring a hefty shove.

Speaking of fun, there's no doubt the MINI Cooper Clubman was a hit with any one who jumped aboard, especially younger people. It does have a happy feeling built in.

The fun stuff can also be found at the other end of the car where a new BMW Group 1.5-litre triple-cylinder turbo-petrol engine now sits under the Cooper's bonnet.

Producing 100kW/220Nm and sucking fuel at a claimed 5.4L/100km (when matched with the standard Aisin six-speed automatic transmission) this little engine – which is also now fitted in BMWs 3 Series sedan – does its best to make up for in enthusiasm what it lacks in outright poke.

It doesn't quite succeed, especially when there's a decent load of people and stuff onboard. Progress is, erm, patient, especially on hills. Overtaking is a considered project. A 0-100km/h claim of 9.1sec says it all.

But the engine never stops trying, gamely revving out to around 6000rpm before hitting the redline. It doesn't rev that quickly, but it sounds good in that chunky three-cylinder way; and the auto does a decent job of extracting max performance from it.

Despite all this revving and throttle use our week-long fuel economy average still came out at only 7.2L/100km which is pretty decent. A well-tuned idle-stop system helps achieve that figure.

Switching to Sport mode does make the gearbox more aggressive and sometimes you also have to resort to the manual mode, which is push forward on the lever to go down and pull back for a taller gear. Disappointingly, there are no flappy paddles and the software will over-ride the manual selection if it thinks you should be in a higher gear.

A MINI shouldn't do that. We're fed this line that MINIs are really sporty and deeply involving. Part of that is the driver controlling the gearchange.

But all that MINI go-kart stuff is hooey anyway. The ride is too sharp, and the steering heavy yet quick-geared so the car tends to tram track and doesn't settle on the road when bumps and corrugations come into play. It's very relevant to note our car traded in standard 16-inch run-flats for 18s so that didn't help. Counter-balancing that is our car was fitted with adaptive dampers.

After all that toing and froing it's still better riding than short wheelbase MINIs – especially ones with optional sports suspension. But if you're interested in the Clubman then don't bother optioning up to bigger alloy wheels. They might look better but your bottom and hip pocket will appreciate the 16s.

Speaking of things circular, that's a common theme inside the MINI, especially on the dashboard which is dominated by a giant centrally-mounted dial that contains media, audio and other info – another nod to the original MINIs.

Some people love it, no doubt. I just find it distracting. Combined with a control dial and toggles it becomes rather complicated. I also struggled to find the right combination between seat height and a clear view of the analogue speedo mounted on the steering column.

On the more positive side the overall look and quality of the Clubman is noticeably better than its predecessor. This is a common theme amongst third-generation MINIs.

The seats are cloth – and a decent size – the steering wheel leather – and a small size. There are nice big storage pockets too, with space for phones and other modern 'necessities' in both the front and rear seats. There are nets and hooks in the boot and security blind.

So what's the bottom line?

Well, the Cooper Clubman will set you back $34,900 (plus on-road costs). You do get six airbags, forward collision warning, park distance control, a reversing camera, automatic dual-zone climate control and extended Bluetooth functionality with audio streaming amongst other things.

But there's no standard sat nav and the headlights are halogen in the age of xenons.

And this is the sort of money that will get you into some pretty tempting alternatives, including the Audi, BMW and Peugeot we've listed below.

So despite this being the most liveable MINI yet, you would still need a strong tug on the heart strings to justify its purchase.

But as has already been observed this car does have a positive vibe to it, so there's a chance you will simply have to have it. Fun and sensible? It's not a bad combination.

2016 MINI Cooper Clubman pricing and specifications:
Price: $34,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 100kW/220Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.4L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 125g/km (ADR combined)
Safety Rating: N/A

Also consider:
Audi A3 Sportback (from $36,500)
BMW 118i (from $36,900)
Peugeot 308 (from $34,689)