Used MINI Clubman (2015-2024) MK2
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Options of engines
- Excellent ride
- Great onboard technology
- Unusual boot doors
- Cabin isn't as spacious as you'd hope
- More expensive than competitors
What's the MINI Clubman like?
MINI hatchbacks have never been the most practical of cars, but that can’t be said of the Clubman estates.
These 5-door models, together with the Countryman SUV, are truly family friendly smaller premium cars but with the usual added MINI pzazz of marvellous handling and roadholding backed up by great engines and reasonable running costs.
The Clubman range was given a major redesign in 2019, with a new wider grille, updated circular LED headlights, a smaller engine range and excellent levels of equipment.
From some angles it looks like a longer version of the rather ungainly five door MINI hatch but the more I see them, the more I realise that it’s wider, has a longer roof and there are six doors.
In an attempt to liken it to the original 1960s MINI estates, which were basically vans with windows, access to the boot is by a pair of side-hinged doors, each with its own wiper.
In a van, this gives rearward blind spots, but in the Clubman, the gap between the two windows is very narrow and there’s little problem.
Engines
There’s a choice of six power outputs in later models: four petrol and two diesel.
The petrols start in the MINI One entry model – with a 1.5-litre that has 100bhp and goes from 0 to 62mph in 10.7 seconds. This is capable of 55mpg in the official tables, so expect 45mpg at best.
Next comes another version of the same engine, but this time turbocharged to give 134bhp. It brings the 0 to 62mph sprint down to 8.9 seconds, and is rated at 48mpg.
Then comes the Cooper S 2.0-litre turbo, which boasts an excellent 189bhp and gets from 0 to 62mph in 7.1 seconds while managing 42mpg.
And finally, there is the barnstorming Cooper S Works, with all-wheel drive, and a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre producing 227bhp. It covers the sprint in 6.1 seconds and can do 38mpg.
The two diesels are both 2.0-litre units borrowed from parent company BMW. The 2.0-litre D comes with 147bhp and sprints to 62mph in an excellent 8.6 seconds. It’s rated at 65mpg.
And finally, the SD boasts 187bhp, and can cover the sprint to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds while managing 62mpg.
Driving Experience
All come with a 6-speed manual gearbox that’s a joy to use as standard, but there is also a 7-speed twin clutch automatic that works beautifully and has a manual setting.
As ever with the MINI range, handling and roadholding are a revelation to anyone who has never driven one, and the quality of ride is also excellent.
Peter Hayward
In many accomplished cars, the combination of good ride and handling is a rarity. You can have one or the other.
But like many of parent company BMW’s products, almost every model in the MINI range is very comfortable over all surfaces.
And at the same time, it takes the worst of corners in its stride and in great safety, with tremendous roadholding, helped by excellent, informative steering.
Interior and Equipment
Cooper Classic mid-range trim includes sat nav with a 6.5-inch display and real time traffic information, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights.
MINI Connected Services are also standard, together with intelligent emergency call system, Bluetooth, alloy wheels and black cloth seats.
But all used examples will have added spec from first owners, so make sure you get one with everything that you want. There are a huge number of permutations and combinations to choose from.
Find your MINI Clubman your way with CarStore
When purchasing a MINI Clubman, you can expect a brilliant driving experience, stylish exterior and interior design and a great range of onboard technology.
Here at CarStore, you're able to buy your car your way. Whether that be online, in-person, or a mix of both, the choice is yours. With an extensive variety of used cars available, we're sure to have a car that suits your lifestyle.
