Drive Review: New (2016) Mini Clubman S JCW

If you’re looking for all the typical MINI driving fun but none of the drawbacks (firm ride, limited space) the once wacky MINI Clubman S has evolved into a polished packaged that effectively encompasses all models rolled into one. On test we had the flagship 2016 MINI Clubman S with the JCW exterior and interior aesthetic package but no increase to horsepower – that’s not an option.

Mini Clubman (1)

Longer and higher than the MINI 5-door, the newest MINI Clubman is for those who don’t want to surrender on-road dynamics for the sake of a higher ground clearance (read higher centre of gravity) that is part and parcel of an SUV. The proportions make MINI Clubman a viable family car with a dollop of charisma backed by the venerable modern technology adopted from BMW.

The front end apes every Mini model but as you move rearwards the design cohesion begins to falter and can’t match the 5-door’s still somewhat taut proportions. The new 2016 MINI Clubman does differ from previous versions in one major way; access to the rear seat is now possible from either side compared to the previous asymmetrical layout. That itself is reason to praise the new MINI Clubman. Our JCW test model came with lot of black plastic cladding around the wheel arches that appeared tacky given the car’s pricetag.

Mini Clubman (3)

Rear styling is profoundly different to the rest of the range. Barn-style doors swing outwards and allow for Mini’s trademark chopped roofline but their advantage over a conventional top-hinged boot isn’t all that clear. MINI Clubman might have the largest boot in the range but a short weekend away necessitated the dipping of one seat to fit all the luggage in. An SUV for the same price generally offers better practicality.

And with the sort of clutter that usually piles up on a roadtrip, the Clubman’s cabin can begin to feel claustrophobic, not helped by the narrow glass. Yet the switchgear looks and feels premium and the balance between function and fun strikes the right chord.  You get the sophistication of iDrive, Head-up display, navigation and a plethora of connectivity apps interspersed with vibrant graphics and playful wording for the car’s suite of on-board drive systems.

Mini Clubman (2)

Powered by a 141kW 300Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine the MINI Clubman S isn’t in the same league as the significantly lighter Cooper S hatch. I’ve never been a fan of this engine in a MINI and in the Clubman its linear smoothness is far less exciting than the peppy old days. In a 3-Series it’s a fine, just not here. These well-mannered up and down bits are matched to a fairly muted soundtrack; it’s only when the car is in Sport mode with the 8-speed shifter nudged to the side that the pops and crackles come to life.

A long cruise predominantly in eighth gear resulted in a average fuel figure of 7.0l/100km while the return trip in ECO mode made the gold fish happy (acceleration and anticipation scores) but the gain was negligible.

Mini Clubman (5)

Mini’s reputation as the best handling front-wheel drive car is still intact. Clubman corners flat with no apparent body lean, steering is sharp off centre and torque steer is virtually non-existent. There’s a bit of road noise but overall the softer suspension is a revelation and from behind the wheel you never sense that the handling has gone mushy.

Despite one or two niggles the Mini Clubman S remains our favourite. Well-built and crammed with the latest features (at a cost, of course) it will satisfy fashion icons while serving an older generation used to premium touches.

Base Price 459 052
Engine Capacity 1 998 cm³
No. Of Cylinders 4-cylinders
Aspiration Turbo
Power 141kW at 5 000 r/min
Torque 300Nm at 1 250 r/min
Transmission 8-speed Auto
Drive type Front-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed 228km/h
Fuel Consumption 5.9l/100km (claimed combined)
CO2 Emissions 138g/km

 

 

 

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