2016 MINI Clubman VIDEO REVIEW

2016 MINI Clubman VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

MINI has really hit its stride with their next generation cars, fully integrated with BMW goodness and altogether more satisfying. And now they’re expanding the appeal of their lineup by going bigger and even more bespoke – this is the all new Clubman.

Longer and wider than any other MINI, growing over 12” in length and nearly 5” in width, and now distinguished as a separate model from the Cooper Hardtop, the 2016 Clubman has been crafted in the tradition of British estate cars. Its newfound largess catapults the Clubman from subcompact to midsize proportions and with the choice of 2 turbocharged engines, manual and automatic transmissions and front- or all-wheel drive, the new Clubman becomes the MINI with the mostest.

Pricing starts at about $25,000 for the 134-horsepower 3-cylinder model while this higher-performing Cooper S Clubman with the 2.0-liter turbo-4 begins at $28,500. Building your car is one of the coolest aspects of buying a MINI with literally over 10 million possible configurations, appealing to those who see their car as an extension of their personality. As such, my tester is highly optioned with items such as this beautiful Pure Burgundy paint, the 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters – a MINI first, and a host of loaded packages and standalone options adding over $11,000 of personalized equipment.

When you hear $39,500 you initially cringe…I get it. But the level of customization is off the charts with items like this gorgeous Chesterfield interior as just one example. It exudes a high quality feel and it’s as if you’re sitting in a car you yourself created. There’s really nothing on the market quite like it.

Passenger volume is up by 12 cubic feet, so go ahead and invite your friends to ride in the back, not a problem. And cargo room has doubled, so with the seats folded flat you now get 48 cubic feet of volume. For some perspective, that’s greater than that of a Mazda3 5-door.

The double door design looks cool but it certainly isn’t the most practical. Plus, they’re a little hard to shut.

There is an optional foot-activated sensor to open the doors when your hands are full but you have to budget for a little extra space when you’re loading stuff.

My love for the new Cooper S has already been documented but here in the Clubman things feel different. Glance over your shoulder and it’s as if you’re driving a real sized car. But this powertrain is still as racy as ever giving you that authentic MINI driving experience where things happen fast. That being said, I don’t know if it fits this cars personality. The Clubman feels more mature if you will so perhaps toning down the torque steer, go kart like steering and rambunctious suspension wouldn’t be a bad thing. I like the Clubman but giving it a low dose sedative might make me like it even more.

The use of BMW engine technology and architecture is reinventing MINI into a much more polished machine. This S–level powerplant generates 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of early hitting torque to produce a punchy 0-to-60mph time of 6.9-seconds, but it’s the midrange responsiveness which is most impressive. The 8-speed is performance programmed and comes with Green, Mid and Sport driving modes to match your mood. Even carrying 3,300 pounds the Clubman likes to get after it, with its high performance summer use run flat Pirellis nicely fighting the propensity to plow through turns. The car’s added size however is palpable and so the Clubman trades in some of its minicar fun for real life duties. With these shoes, it’s lousy in the snow and louder than it needs to be in the cabin. MINI worked hard to keep the car’s lovable drivability alive but again, I’d prefer a slightly less juvenile drive in the more premium Clubman. With a start/stop system, 91 octane will net you 27mpg combined, down from 30mpg in the previous model.

MINI’s recent speedometer migration from the center dial to in front of the driver is welcome, and this new infotainment system is an enjoyable mashup of BMW seriousness and MINI whimsy. It’s neither the easiest nor the most modern, but it works fairly well and looks really neat with impressive lighting features.  The sport front seats are manually operated though fittingly snug and comfortable, the Indigo Blue interior looks amazing, the toggle switchgear exudes cool, the Panoramic sunroof is loud when open but adds airiness, and there are high-end features and attention to detail baked throughout that build the foundation for a premium car.  Blending fun and sophistication, do not mistake the Clubman for a mainstream wagon.  It does things in its own unique way; grown up but retaining its spunky soul.