2016 MINI Cooper Clubman

NEW FOR 2016:

- All-new model

My how you’ve grown! After a year’s hiatus, the iconic Mini Clubman wagon returns having had a huge growth spurt in every direction.

The second-generation Clubman migrates to the UKL platform which underpins the Hardtop models, but has a wheelbase that’s 10 cm longer than the 5-Door, and is a whopping 27 cm longer in overall length. It’s grown 9 cm in width, too, but it looks wider thanks to horizontal tail lights and a unique front-end treatment. If you tally the figures up, this the biggest Mini yet, eclipsing the Countryman crossover. Perhaps they should’ve called it the Maxi?

To go along with this VW Golf-sized body is a significantly more practical interior. Two conventional doors replace the old model’s single rear-hinged door, and there’s noticeably more shoulder room – enough so to actually accommodate three abreast in the rear. This is also the most voluminous Mini too. Behind the twin rear doors is 360 L of space, 10 more than what the Countryman has to offer. Up front, the Clubman offers a classier, more mature cabin with an all-new dashboard with a recessed trim panel, plus a wider centre console.

For its first year on sale, the Clubman is being offered with two engines. In Cooper form it comes powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Cooper S uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, and comes mated to either a six-speed manual or an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter also offers a coasting function that disconnects the engine when the driver’s foot is off the gas pedal.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric parking brake, power windows, keyless entry, power mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, Driving Experience settings with Normal, Sport, and Green modes, 6.5-inch display audio system with AM/FM/USB/Aux-in, six-way manually adjustable front seats, leatherette upholstery, 60/40 split rear folding seat, keyless entry, toggle-switch start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt and telescoping steering column, ambient interior lighting, chrome exterior trim, and a single chrome exhaust pipe.

Clubman S adds 17-inch wheels, hood scoop, S-specific front and rear bumpers, sports seats with thigh extension and adjustable lumbar support, dual exhaust pipes, and Performance Control with torque-steer mitigation.

Key options include an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Mini Touch (iDrive) controller, navigation, in-car internet, panoramic sunroof, shift paddles (automatic only), Driving Assistant with adaptive cruise control and pre-collision warning, parking sensors, reverse camera, alarm, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, power front seats with driver’s seat memory, head-up display, cloth upholstery, leather upholstery, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, backlit door bezels, proximity key with hands-free rear doors, full LED headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive dampers, 410-watt Harman/Kardon 12-speaker sound system, and 17-, 18-, and 19-inch alloy wheels.