2016 Mini Cooper Clubman

Pros: Fun to drive; roomier than most Minis

Cons: Quirky controls; pricey for a small car

CG Says: After a year’s absence, a redesigned Mini Cooper Clubman returns for 2016. The new Clubman gains a door. The previous 3-door Clubman had a rear-hinged, right-side door. The new Clubman is true 4 door. However, Clubman still retains the previous generation’s dual “barn door” rear cargo doors. The Clubman is larger than both the model it replaces and the Cooper 4-door Hardtop. Compared with the Hardtop, it’s almost 11 inches longer on a 4-inch-longer wheelbase. It is also 2.9-inches wider, which permits increasing passenger capacity from four to five. Two engines are offered. The base model has a 134-horsepower turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, while the S model is powered by a 189-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder. There is a choice of 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmissions. Clubman is only available with front-wheel drive this year. All-wheel drive will be offered for the 2017 model year. The longer, heavier Clubman retains most of Mini’s driving-fun quotient, but has more passenger and cargo room than the Hardtop—along with a better ride. As with other Minis, the controls are quirky and can be difficult to master. The new Clubman is a good choice for Mini loyalists who need more room, but keep in mind that prices quickly escalate when options are added and can be quite high for a small car.

Links

Test Drive: 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman

2017 Mini Cooper Clubman Review

2014 Mini Cooper Clubman Review