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Going Clubbin’

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The first generation MINI Clubman was launched in 2007, with its longer wheelbase concept inspired by the original Mini Traveller of the 1960’s. And like its predecessor, it also featured the daring design feature of two rear barn doors to access the boot.  

Now, eight years on, MINI has finally unveiled the second generation Clubman, and while the barn doors remain, every other design feature has undergone some dramatic changes.

The new Clubman is really a reflection of the maturing MINI customer base. As they grow up and have families, loyal MINI drivers want more space and practicality, but naturally don’t want to give up that unique retro chic MINI styling and personality.

This car therefore, is the largest MINI ever made, and while it might not immediately look like it, it is actually longer and wider than the Countryman, MINI’s SUV.  This means plenty of space on the inside, particularly for rear seat passengers.  

The new Clubman now boasts two full-size rear passenger doors, ditching the previous concept of a rear-hinged, half-sized door on the driver’s side as seen on the first generation model. Together with the barn doors, this gives the Clubman the unique distinction of having a 2+2+2 door configuration.

From the outside, the rear end of the car shows off the most significant design changes, with prominent horizontal taillights, a pair of sleek chrome door handles, brake lights integrated in to the bumper, and its name emblazoned boldly across the two rear doors.  

The barn doors open to reveal 360 litres of boot space, an increase of 100 litres over the previous version.  And with the 60:40 split back row of seats folded down flat, the space expands to 1,250 litres.

Adding further practicality, you can open the rear doors with arms full of groceries and kids, by simply waving your foot in front of a sensor underneath the rear bumper.

At the front of the car, the Clubman has all the familiar design cues of its smaller sibling, the hard top Cooper. One interesting addition, and another first for the MINI brand, are air curtains and breathers that optimize air flow through and around the car, located in the lower air inlet.  LED headlights are optional.

Get behind the wheel of the new Clubman and many more changes are noticeable.  While keeping with traditional MINI themes of circles and toggle switches, the dashboard has been completely redesigned for this car.  It is dominated by a central 6.5-inch infotainment screen, upgradeable to 8.8 inches, encircled by a ring of light displays that change colour depending on the driving mode you are in.  The infotainment system is controlled by touch sensitive rotary control dial located conveniently just behind the gear shifter.

The dash also features a distinctive ‘bracket’ of trim that runs across the front, out to the sides and then circles back up underneath the windshield.   Materials all have a premium feel with soft touch plastic and optional leather.  Front passengers get power adjustable seats with an up-market diamond-pattern stitching usually only seen in higher end cars.  There’s also a new electronic parking brake.  

Topping it all off in typical MINI fashion are colourful ambient lighting features and even a projection of the brand’s logo on to the ground beneath the driver’s side wing mirror when the car door is opened and closed, available with MINI’s ‘Excitement Package’.

Underneath all the aesthetics, the Clubman shares most of its other technology with the MINI hardtop, including the brand’s newest front-wheel drive platform.

Both 3-cylinder and a 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine variants are available in the Clubman and Clubman S respectively.

The 1.5 litre 3-cylinder makes 134hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The more powerful 2.0-litre engine in the Clubman S delivers 189hp and 207 lb-ft torque from 1,250rpm. 

It is available in a 6-speed manual or a new 8-speed automatic, and will do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds.  

Fuel consumption is impressive for both at 5.4L-100km for the 3-cylinder engine and 5.8L/100km for the 4-cylinder.

Given that the Clubman is a longer, wider car all round, you might be wondering about its ability to live up to MINI’s renowned ‘go-kart’ on-road handling and feel.

On this point, there is no denying that the Clubman has been built with a little more comfort in mind. The new suspension set up and wider track make for a smooth and stable ride over rough roads. 

Handling is still sharp though and there is limited body roll when cornering. Both engines are sufficiently agile and offer a lively and entertaining drive experience that will not disappoint MINI aficionados.  And for those drivers looking for a bit more fun, there is a Sport driving mode available, which sharpens throttle response, weights the steering and speed up gear shifts. The optional Sports Package adds adaptive damping system for stiffer suspension and sharper road feel, as well as an launch control and paddle shifters.

MINI offers a wide range of standard and optional safety features and driver assistance systems including a head-up display, collision and pedestrian warning with auto brake function, parking assist and rear view camera.

Other standard kit includes climate control, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and keyless start. The options list is extensive as you might expect with MINI with some highlights being a Harmon Kardon sound system and panoramic electric glass sunroof.

The new MINI Clubman has definitely landed as a competitive option in the Premium Compact segment and is a great choice for those looking for a small family car, with everyday comfort and versatility, a  good splash of luxury and of course that ever present fun MINI character.

 

MINI Macau

Shop A&B Edf. Marbela, 36-58 Rua dos Pescadores, Macau

Tel: +853 2876 8083  

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