Minis have not been that mini for some time now. Similarly, the firm's description of its new Clubman as a "shooting brake" also feels like poetic license. Nonetheless, it's designed for everyday and long-distance usage and looks both practical and comfortable for those purposes.In fairness, a length of 4,253 mm (167 in) is long for a Mini and the new Clubman, the first of which was released in 2007, has a visibly stretched body and roof-line. If it was to retain the "go-kart feeling" of a Mini, while also having additional size and comfort that takes it in the direction of a shooting brake, as the BMW Group says it does, then the carmaker should probably be given some leniency where terminology is concerned.
Completing the new Clubman's larger exterior are a width and height of 1,800 mm (71 in) and 1,441 mm (57 in) respectively. There is also ample space inside, with five "fully-fledged" seats, a 360-l luggage compartment and maximum storage space totaling 1,250 l.
All this space will contribute to what Mini calls the "highest level of ride comfort" ever seen in one of its cars, but it also cites a unique suspension as a contributory factor. The system comprises a single-joint strut front axle and multilink rear axle. Agility is said to be maximized by way of a large track width, weight-optimized construction and a high level of stiffness.
The Clubman also benefits from electromechanical power steering with Servotronic "speed-dependent" functionality and BMW Mini's Dynamic Stability Control, which includes Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock Control. Drivers can choose from green, mid and sport modes, too.
Among the other driver aids are a head-up display, parking assistant, rear view camera, collision and pedestrian warning and automated braking, high-beam assistance and road sign detection. The Clubman's LED lights, meanwhile, offer a daytime driving mode and adaptive light distribution. Elsewhere, there is a broad instrument panel and an instrument cluster on the steering column, as well as connected infotainment, phone and navigation functions.
The newly designed interior boasts various options for individualization, including different seat types, decorative surfaces and color schemes. There are electrically-adjustable heated seats with a memory function for the driver and an electrically-operated glass roof.
Customers can choose from six engine variants, with both petrol and diesel versions available. The most oomph is provided by the Mini Cooper S Clubman with a 4-cylinder petrol engine that kicks out 192 hp (141 kW). Six-speed transmission comes as standard, while, for the first time in a Mini, an eight-speed Steptronic transmission is an option on some models .
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