If you appreciate clever design and a thrilling driving experience, then let’s dive into the details. The MINI Cooper S Clubman is a vehicle that immediately grabs your attention with its smart features and fun personality. From the moment you approach and the MINI logo puddle light illuminates the ground, you know you’re in for something special. This car is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about enjoying the journey with a vehicle that’s both practical and exciting.
Who Should Consider the MINI Cooper S Clubman?
The MINI Cooper S Clubman appeals to a diverse group of drivers, particularly those who value a blend of style, practicality, and driving enjoyment. It’s an excellent choice for:
- Singles and Couples: Offering ample space without being bulky, it fits urban lifestyles perfectly.
- Small Families: Comfortable for daily commutes and weekend trips, accommodating children and their gear.
- MINI Cooper Enthusiasts Needing More Space: If you love the iconic MINI Cooper but require four doors and enhanced cargo capacity, the Clubman is your answer.
- Drivers Seeking Unique Styling: The Clubman stands out with its distinctive design, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream compact cars.
- Those Requiring Flexible Cargo Solutions: With its split rear doors and adaptable cargo area, it’s surprisingly versatile for hauling groceries, luggage, and more.
- Sporty Driving Enthusiasts: The “S” designation means spirited performance, making every drive engaging.
- All-Weather Drivers: All-wheel drive (ALL4) is available for enhanced traction in various conditions.
- Fans of European Automotive Heritage: The MINI brand embodies a rich European heritage, offering a touch of nostalgia and sophistication.
Understanding the Costs
When considering the MINI Cooper S Clubman, understanding the price range is crucial.
- Base Model Starting Price (for reference year): Approximately $24,100.
- Price of the Model Driven (as tested): Around $35,850, reflecting added features and the “S” trim.
- Fully Optioned Price: Can reach up to $40,350 depending on customizations and packages selected.
For context, it’s worth noting that these were the prices for the 2017 model year. Used models will be priced accordingly, potentially offering excellent value for those seeking a well-equipped and fun-to-drive car at a more accessible price point.
To enhance your driving experience in the MINI Clubman, consider exploring curated playlists that match its energetic spirit, similar to recommendations found online for MINI enthusiasts.
The Clubman: Larger Than a MINI, Yet Still Compact
The MINI Clubman cleverly expands on the traditional MINI formula. It retains the core MINI DNA – agile handling, a low-to-the-ground stance, and a focus on driving pleasure – but in a more substantial package. This makes it ideal for buyers who appreciate the MINI ethos but require more practicality than the standard two-door or even four-door MINI Cooper models can offer.
Inside, the Clubman provides generous headroom, thanks to its squared-off roofline. The cargo area is also notably larger, featuring smart storage solutions like an under-floor compartment, perfect for concealing items and keeping the main cargo area tidy. In terms of overall size, the Clubman aligns more closely with compact sedans. Maneuvering and parking are comparable to a typical sedan, making it user-friendly in urban environments.
Despite its increased size, the Clubman maintains the MINI’s signature low profile. Its wide stance and lower ride height (approximately half an inch less than a standard sedan) contribute to its sporty feel. However, this lower stance can sometimes impact visibility, particularly when looking for elevated signage or being at eye-level with larger vehicles’ headlights.
The Clubman’s design, while stylish, does create some blind spots, particularly due to the rear door frames. While a rearview camera is a helpful feature, the absence of blind spot monitoring in the 2017 model is something to consider. Modern iterations and aftermarket solutions might offer this enhanced safety feature.
Tailoring Your Drive: Multiple Driving Modes
One of the appealing aspects of the MINI Cooper S Clubman is its adaptability. It offers different driving modes to cater to various preferences and driving conditions. Engage “Sport” mode for a more responsive and dynamic driving experience, sharpening throttle response and steering feel. For maximizing fuel efficiency, “Green” mode optimizes engine and transmission settings to conserve fuel. The difference between modes is palpable; “Green” mode is noticeably more relaxed off the line, while “Sport” mode injects a dose of eagerness. For those who crave ultimate control, the Clubman S is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission – a rare offering in a four-door car, appealing to driving purists. “Mid” mode provides a balanced setting, suitable for everyday comfortable driving when neither extreme performance nor maximum economy is needed.
Interior Design: A Rolling MINI Emblem
Stepping inside the MINI Cooper S Clubman reveals a cabin that’s as distinctive as its exterior. The circular MINI logo serves as a central design motif, influencing numerous elements throughout the interior. From the circular instrument cluster and infotainment screen to the steering wheel controls, gear shift surround, and even the door handles, the round theme is consistently applied. This cohesive design language reinforces the MINI brand identity and creates a unique and playful cabin environment.
Split Rear Doors: Uniquely Practical
A standout feature of the MINI Clubman is its split rear doors, often referred to as “barn doors.” These doors, hinged on the sides and opening outward, offer a distinct advantage over traditional liftgates. They provide easier access to the cargo area, especially in tight spaces, as you don’t need to account for the swing arc of a large liftgate. Loading and unloading items is simplified, and you have the option to open just one door for smaller items or both for full access. The wide opening created by the split doors also accommodates bulky items more readily.
Value Proposition
The MINI Cooper S Clubman presents a compelling value proposition. The base model starting price in 2017 was reasonable for its segment. The tested model, a Mini Cooper S Clubman All4, included desirable features like a tech package with a rearview camera, park distance control, and navigation, priced at a still competitive level. While features like a panoramic sunroof and advanced safety systems like blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional or unavailable on this specific model year, the overall package offered a good balance of features, performance, and style for the price.
Real-World Roadside Experience: Dealing with a Flat Tire
Unexpected events can happen, and a flat tire is a common driving woe. One reviewer’s experience highlighted both a potential drawback and a significant benefit of the MINI Cooper S Clubman. The low profile and wheel placement of MINIs can make them more susceptible to tire damage from road hazards like potholes or storm drains. However, the Clubman’s equipped run-flat tires proved to be a saving grace. Despite a significant tire gash, the run-flat technology allowed for continued driving to a safe location for repair. Furthermore, MINI’s complimentary roadside assistance package, including towing to a dealership for tire replacement (tire cost excluded), added peace of mind and practical support.
What We Loved: Key Highlights
- Engaging and Sporty Driving Dynamics: A hallmark of the MINI brand, delivering a fun driving experience.
- Comfortable Leather Heated Front Seats: Adding a touch of luxury and comfort, especially in colder climates.
- Distinctive Logo “Puddle” Light: A clever and stylish welcome feature.
- User-Friendly Multimedia System: Intuitive and enjoyable to operate.
- Helpful Rear View Camera: Aiding in parking and maneuvering.
- Practical Split Rear Doors: Enhancing cargo area accessibility.
- Clever Cargo Area Storage Bin: Improving organization and concealing items.
- Attractive Digital Blue Metallic Color: Highlighting the aesthetic appeal of the test model.
- Ample Rear Passenger Space: Providing sufficient legroom and headroom for rear occupants.
- Convenient Fold-Down Rear Seats: Expanding cargo versatility.
- Run-Flat Tires: Offering added security and mobility in case of a puncture.
- Fuel-Efficient Green Driving Mode: Improving MPG for eco-conscious driving.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Low Ground Clearance: At 4.9 inches, it’s lower than typical sedans, requiring caution on uneven surfaces.
- Fuel Economy: EPA rated at 22 city, 31 highway MPG; real-world testing averaged around 24 MPG, with improvements in Green mode.
- Regular Fuel: Accepts standard gasoline, simplifying refueling.
- Included Maintenance and Roadside Assistance: Beneficial for the ownership experience during the initial years.
- Warranty Coverage: Standard four-year/50,000-mile warranty.
Soundtrack for Your Drive: British Bands
To fully immerse yourself in the MINI Cooper S Clubman experience, consider curating a playlist of iconic British bands, complementing its European heritage and spirited character.
Disclosure: The MINI Cooper Clubman was provided for review purposes; all opinions and observations are independent and unbiased.
By Scotty Reiss, Automotive Journalist.
