Name: Mini Clubman Review
Item: Mini Clubman
Author: Gumtree.com

The MINI has been a design icon since 1959. Successive generations fell in love with its cute styling, but the MINI dimensions of the original concept made it impractical as a family car. When BMW took the brand into the 21st century, it launched a range of models that stayed true to the design ethos but weren’t so mini any more. The MINI Clubman took the still dinky-ish MINI hatchback and turned it into an estate to rival the likes of the Volkswagen Golf in the family market. The name is inherited from the original Mini Clubman produced by British Leyland between 1969 and 1980.

Check out the MINI Clubman model page to learn more and explore available cars.

What we think about the MINI Clubman

The MINI Clubman is a family car with a real sense of fun, in both its quirky looks and the experience behind the wheel.

Pros

Classic MINI looks

Fun to drive

Good range of equipment

Cons

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Unusual boot doors

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Not much storage space

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Firm ride

MINI launched the Clubman in 2007, essentially taking a 2.5-door MINI hatchback, keeping the font the same but stretching out the back. The second generation arrived in 2015, and transformed it into a five-door (or six-door, depending on how you count the access to the rear) vehicle with a sleeker appearance and a larger body. The engines, gearbox and other kit also got an update. The current version debuted in 2019, with a revised engine line-up and subtle exterior tweaks. It comes in Classic, Sport and Exclusive trims. These replaced the previous model’s Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works, Cooper D and One D trims.

Driving performance of the Mini Clubman

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The various versions of the Clubman came with a range of engines, and hot hatch fans will be able to find some fun. The John Cooper Works with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, for example, delivers plenty of poke in the low and mid ranges. The Clubman sticks to corners like a MINI should, and turns trips to the supermarket and the school run into a fun experience. It doesn’t handle quite as well as the Ford Focus or the Audi A3, but then they haven’t got the MINI’s sense of style. The suspension is pretty firm, so if you don’t like the sound of that, look for one with the optional adaptive suspension.

Safety and reliability of the Mini Clubman

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The MINI Clubman was awarded four out of five stars by Euro NCAP in 2015. Modern versions are fitted with six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, forward collision warning and a reversing camera. There are two Isofix points for child seats and three top-tether points for capsules or booster seats. Clubmans have a good reputation for reliability.

Under the bonnet of the Mini Clubman

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The 1.5-litre petrol engine in the entry-level Cooper will be adequate for most drivers, and will take you from 0 to 60 in 9.2 seconds. Those looking for more oomph can consider the 2.0-litre Cooper S, or the four-wheel drive John Cooper Works with its more than 300 bhp and Sport mode. If you want a diesel, the 2.0-litre engine will deliver 148 bhp. All versions come with a six-speed manual gearbox, with an automatic option on anything but the John Cooper Works.

What you'll find in the Mini Clubman

Our Design Rating9 / 10

Whatever you think about the MINI Clubman’s design, you can’t deny it has a sense of itself. MINI’s cute styling might not be for everyone, but it has been loved by many over the years. The challenge for the Clubman’s designers was to square the MINI styling with the dimensions of an estate. The barn doors are a divisive feature, as are the Union Jack rear lights that have been brought in for the latest edition. If you love the curves, hexagonal grille and rounded headlamps of the MINI but need a decent-sized family car, the Clubman’s design is aimed at you.

Comfort and interiors in the Mini Clubman

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

MINI’s funky design ethic continues on the inside of their latest models, and the Clubman is no exception. There are some luxurious upholstery finishes to be had, including a blue quilted leather one that makes a bid to move the Clubman upmarket. Subtle chrome details and stylish vents are also part of this move. Funky retro touches include fighter-jet-style toggle switches and an LED-trimmed centre display. Everything is finished to a high standard, in keeping with the idea of this being a vehicle to enjoy.

What features you'll find in the Mini Clubman

Our Features Rating9 / 10

All Clubmans come pretty well tricked out, with keyless start, navigation, Bluetooth and alloy wheels as standard. There are also plenty of optional extras, especially for those who want to customise the look: a wide range of colours for body and roof, stripes, and Union Jack seats and wheels for the patriots. The infotainment system is one of the best out there, too. Unusually these days, there’s no touchscreen, but the swivel wheel on BMW’s iDrive system is easier to operate. The screen is 6.5 inches on entry-level models, expanding to 8.8 inches on higher-spec versions.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Mini Clubman

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The 1.5-litre Cooper engine delivers reasonable fuel consumption, with an official figure of up to 50.4 mpg. In the real world with a mix of driving types, this is likely to come out closer to 40 mpg. Drivers covering a lot of miles might want to consider the diesel, with its more frugal consumption.

Running costs of the Mini Clubman

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

The premium badge means the Clubman holds on to its value fairly well, though not as well as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Most models will be quite cheap to insure, sitting in groups anywhere between 12 and 27 – the exception is the John Cooper Works, which can push as high as group 40. Servicing costs will be similar to those for the Audi A3, reflecting the premium nature of the car.

Our verdict of the Mini Clubman

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

If you like the idea of owning a MINI but need a practical family car, the Clubman could be the one for you. It's capable of dealing with all life's mundane necessities, but injects them with a sense of fun.

MINI Clubman Review