MINI Clubman (2007 – 2014) Review

November 2007

MINI Clubman goes on sale in the UK

Station wagon version of MINI called Clubman, on sale in UK. Three engine variants: Cooper D, Cooper and Cooper S. 24cm longer than the Hatch, 8cm more legroom for rear passengers and five seats. Boot capacity is 260 litres with the seats in place and up to 930 litres with the rear seats down. Access to this extra space has been made easier via the split rear doors and Clubdoor on the right-hand side on UK models. The benefit is that the driver can easily chuck stuff like a briefcase into the back seat.

Length 3,937mm (12’ 11”), Width (not including mirrors) 1,683mm (5’ 6”), Width (including mirrors) 1,913mm (6’ 3“), Height 1,426mm (4’ 8”)

On-the-road-prices:
MINI Clubman Cooper £14,235
MINI Clubman Cooper D £15,400
MINI Clubman Cooper S £17,210

6-speed Aisin Warner auto £1,060 extra.

12 body colours to choose from, creating 36 combinations of exterior paintwork. Hot Chocolate is new and reserved exclusively for the MINI Clubman. C-pillars and rear bumper of the MINI Clubman are painted either Silver or Black. The roof can be ordered in Silver, Black or Body Colour.

MINI Cooper S Clubman
Powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger complete with intercooler. Response time when accelerating is virtually instantaneous due to separating the channels of two cylinders each into exhaust manifold and turbocharger. This reduces the exhaust back pressure and plays a major role in ensuring that the charging effect of the turbocharger kicks in at just 1600rpm. Maximum output is 175hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm.
Maximum torque: 240Nm at 1600-5000 rpm (260Nm with Overboost)
Top speed mph: 139
Acceleration 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
Fuel consumption combined mpg: 44.8
CO2 emissions EU g/km: 150

MINI Cooper Clubman
The 1.6 litre four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine features fully variable valve management based on BMW GroupÂ’s VALVETRONIC technology. This improves the engineÂ’s response and refinement, as well as the all-round efficiency of the power unit. Maximum output is 120hp at 6000 rpm.
Maximum torque: 160Nm at 4250 rpm
Top speed mph: 125
Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.8 seconds
Fuel consumption combined mpg: 51.4
CO2 emissions EU g/km: 132

MINI Cooper D Clubman
Four-cylinder turbo diesel with common-rail fuel injection and variable turbine geometry ensures optimum smoothness, efficiency and response even at low speeds. A diesel particulate filter almost eliminates diesel exhaust emissions and helps to make the MINI diesel engine one of the most environmentally friendly cars available. It develops maximum output of 110hp at 4000 rpm.
Maximum torque: 240Nm at 1750-2000 rpm (260Nm with Overboost)
Top speed mph: 120
Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
Fuel consumption combined mpg: 68.9
CO2 emissions EU g/km: 109

12-02-2008: Factory-built JCW Cooper S Clubman announced For Summer 2008 launch. Engine mods deliver 211hp and 0-62 in 6.5 seconds. Engine, brakes, suspension settings and transmission adapted from MINI CHALLENGE race car. Dynamic Traction Control makes MINI debut. Full range of John Cooper Works body styling products available. On-the-road prices expected to be £20,500 for the JCW Hatch and Clubman at £21,700. New speedo design to accommodate the higher maximum speed 40mpg achievable.

211PS, 260*Nm, 0-60 6.5, 148mph, 167g/km CO2, 40.4mpg combined, EU5 *280Nm/206lb-ft with Overboost

Engine modifications have been made to the air filter, air mass meter, exhaust system and catalyst. Air supply to the modified larger turbocharger is increased through fitment of a larger air intake pipe, which in turn creates a quicker induction phase. Also come with reinforced, specially polished pistons, as well as a strengthened cylinder head for optimised stability and a modified cylinder gasket. The intake valves and valve seat rings have also been upgraded with stronger and more resistant materials.

This reduces the engine’s compression ratio. The new Sports exhaust system is instantly recognisable through the large polished stainless steel twin tailpipes. Modification of the exhaust system has also helped to reduce counter-pressure at the point of exhaust gas recirculation. Ducts in the exhaust manifold and turbocharger are split between two cylinders each. Congestion is therefore minimised when air is inducted to the turbocharger and “turbo lag” is virtually eliminated.

DTC allows controlled slip on the drive wheels. For example, on a slippery surface, the driver can pick up speed in a controlled manner with the front wheels spinning slightly. When reaching the upper limit, DSC will intervene as usual. But the driver can deactivate the DSC/DTC systems if he wishes by the touch of a button. In the DSC-off mode, the standard Electronic Differential Lock can be activated and controls cornering at higher speeds. If one wheel loses grip, drive is transferred to the wheel with better grip promoting the car’s traction and pulling force.

The Works MINIs come with exclusive 17” light-alloy wheels in JCW Cross-Spoke CHALLENGE design, shod with Run-flat tyres, and weigh less than 10 kilos each. Automatic is now a 6-speed Aisin Warner torque converter box, not a CVT.

March 2009

MINI One Clubman launched in UK

Air conditioning now standard on every new MINI. MINI One Clubman unveiled at Geneva Motor Show on 03 March 2009. list price of £13,290 OTR. 1.4-litre, four cylinder chain cam petrol engine producing 95 hp. Standard fitment of MINIMALISM technologies. Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop and Shift Point Display are all standard features on the car. Combined fuel consumption figure of 52.3 mpg. A short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with the option of a 6-speed auto with manual-shift capability.

One £13,290 95hp, 140Nm, 114mph, 0-60 11.6sec, 52.3mpg, CO2 130g/km

January 2010

From March 2010 with no price increase, a new and improved version of the MINI petrol engine will be fitted to all First, One, Cooper and Cooper S models in the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman ranges. The MINI First and One models will now be fitted with a 1.6 litre engine, replacing the 1.4, and VALVETRONIC valve operation that delivers more torque and better fuel consumption. All MINI petrol-engined models will conform to European EU5 emissions standards or ULEV 11 in the USA.

VALVETRONIC variable valve timing delivers a five per cent improvement on its own while an on- demand, map-controlled oil pump achieves a further 2.5 per cent fuel saving. An improved, low friction engine vacuum pump accounts for another one per cent and a map-regulated water pump working on a pulsed cycle (rather than simply on or off) saves 1.2 per cent fuel.

Reduced friction from polished camshaft and main bearings, improved heat management and the specific features above combine to contribute more efficient use of energy by the new MINI range.

The fuel consumption improvements have been made despite the fact that the testing procedures under EU5 reduce certified gains.

The 2010 MINI One Clubman benefits from the same powertrain improvements and offers 0-62 mph in 11.1seconds and a top speed of 115 mph. EU cycle fuel consumption falls to 51.4 mpg (combined cycle) and emissions to just 129 g/km.

2010 MINI Cooper Clubman Top speed: 126 mph, 0-62 mph: 9.8 seconds, Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 51.4 mpg, CO² emissions: 129 g/km.

2010 MINI Cooper S Clubman Top speed: 142 mph, 0 -62 mph: 7.5 seconds Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 47.9 mpg, CO² emissions: 137 g/km

All Cooper S models are equipped as standard with a six speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a six speed automatic gearbox with shift paddles on the steering wheel. Manual Cooper S models will be fitted with a new self-adjusting clutch with carbon coated linings that reduces service costs and maintains consistent pedal feel but also improves gear synchronisation.

MINI R56, R57 and R55 Clubman Wheel and Tyre Sizes:

Wheels: 15 " 5-Star Spooler alloy wheels with 175/65 R15 Tyres

Wheels: 15 " Rotator Spoke alloy wheels with 175/65 R15 Tyres

Wheels: 16 " 5-Star Blaster alloy wheels with 195/55 R16 Tyres

Wheels: 16 " Bridge Spoke light wheels with 195/55 R16 Tyres

Wheels: 17 " Crown Spoke light wheels with 205/45 R17 Tyres

Wheels: 17 " Flame Spoke light wheels with R17 205/45 Tyres

Wheels: 17 " Web Spoke two-piece alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 Tyres

June 2010

MINI UK has announced that from August 2010 all MINI models will bear fresh design features both inside and out and improved diesel engines.

1.6 litre, chain-cam N47 diesel engines replace the previous PSA 1.6 diesels engines. Accordingly they share the efficient bore/stroke ratio of BMW’s two litre units, all aluminium construction for light weight, common rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The result is a state of the art diesel engine that marries strong power delivery, high torque from low down the rev range that delivers pulling power whenever it is called for, supreme economy and low emissions and engine acoustics that set new standards in the premium compact car segment.

Both the MINI One D and MINI Cooper D achieve the same low fuel consumption of 74.3 mpg andemissions of 99 g/km. The Cooper D Hatch accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 123mph. As with all PSA 1.6 110 diesels, the torque of 270 Nm is available from a relatively low 1,750 rpm. The less powerful MINI One D Hatch (90hp as compared to the Cooper D’s 112) has a torque value of 215Nm available from the same low engine rev range but still reaches 62mph in 11.4 seconds and hits a top speed of 115 mph.

The new diesel-powered MINIs employ fuel-saving and emission-lowering technology including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, Gearshift Indicator, Electromechanical Power Steering and demand-controlled auxiliary units such as the alternator. All of these technologies and the standard six-speed manual gearbox play a role as it ekes the most out of every drop of fuel while also minimising the tailpipe emissions.

A diesel particulate filter and an oxidation catalyst is standard fitment on all the new MINI diesel models, including the 90. They share the same housing and operate maintenance-free for life. As with all MINI models they all comply with the EU5 emission standard.

Using the same 112hp engine as the Hatch, the Clubman accelerates to 62mph in just 10.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 123mph. Despite this performance potential, the MINI Cooper D Clubman sips diesel fuel at a parsimonious 72.4 mpg and emits just 103g/km of CO², the lowest emitting and most economical ‘full’ convertible vehicle on the UK market today.

The Clubman is also equipped with a new retractable cargo cover in the luggage compartment.

All existing MINI models – Hatch, Clubman and Convertible – benefit from design refreshments to both exterior and interior. At the front, a new bumper with a lower air intake serves not only to update MINI’s face but also to improve pedestrian protection courtesy of larger deformation zones. New style fog lamps adorn either side of the air intake which on MINI One and Cooper features a black cross bar to emphasize the car’s low, wide stance. On the Cooper S two purposeful air intakes feed the brake discs and enhance the sporting intent of this model.

The round MINI headlights display new light elements, with optional Xenon lamps featuring Adaptive headlights (bendy lights) as an option. A new side indicator has a distinctive design of concentric circles and sits in the redesigned side gill housings.

At the rear, a new bumper the tail and brake lights are now LEDs while the brake lights use dynamic intensity lighting that varies according to the deceleration force applied. Pulsating light affords following drivers an opportunity to gauge the urgency of the braking manoeuvre. The LED design also gives a distinctive light design at night. Integrated reversing and rear fog lamps are also new and are housed in the rear bumper.

Along with five new dynamic paint colours and five new alloy wheel designs the new MINI models are subtlely different, yet immediately distinctive.

The interior of all MINI models has undergone a significant makeover too. The centre console, the steering wheel and the air conditioning and audio controls have all been modified to enhance the elegance and premium quality of the MINI range. They also serve to add functionality and improved ergonomics for MINI owners. Apart from the practical benefits of the new interiors, the ambience is further enhanced by new materials and colour lines. In total there are six new upholstery choices, three new fascia options and two new interior colour lines for door and side panels.

The MINI John Cooper Works and JCW Clubman have not been left out of the changes. For the first time a MINI model will be offered with an Inverse colour option. It is Chili red with a contrasting colour for the roof and door mirrors. Complementing this unique and striking body treatment will be the option of Black Challenge alloy wheels, while inside the standard equipment includes anthracite instruments, a Chili red fascia, black lounge leather seats with red piping, red stitching on the gear-and hand-brake lever and red trim on the ignition key.

Information and entertainment on the move are a growing element in 21 st century living. MINI has responded in the refreshed range with a new audio, Bluetooth and navigation systems that offer countless opportunities for the integration of external audio sources and mobile phones.

All radio systems in the refreshed MINI range are equipped with a CD player and AUX-in connection that supports MP3 players and features DAB radio standard across the MINI range with the exception of the MINI First model. The optional MINI Radio Visual Boost and MINI Navigation system use a 6.5” high resolution widescreen colour monitor in the centre of the dashboard and the redesigned navigation system now incorporates an much improved map display layout. The Centre console, meanwhile, houses Bluetooth hands-free phone preparation including a USB interface. These interacting technologies permit audio streaming from appropriate mobile devices and the display of album covers and innovative office functions. Apple iPod compatible videos can also be stored on the board monitor.

MINI Connected (optional) now offers owners of an Apple iPhone a range of functionality including web radio, which allows you to listen to any radio station in the world that has a web address, Google Local Search and Google Send to Car. The system can also receive RSS news feeds (such as Reuters, BBC, Channel 4, Yahoo , Google and many more) and uses a range of MINI services. Users can even call up Facebook and Twitter messages or play videos on the central display as well as send standard text messages. With the voice control option messages can be readout on a text-to-speech function.

February 2011

MINI Cooper SD announced on sale from March 2011

The two litre four cylinder power unit follows the design philosophy of the familiar 1.6 litre engine but produces 143hp at 4,000 rpm, almost 28 per cent more than the Cooper D and nearly 60 per cent above that of the One D. Unsurprisingly its power, allied to a mighty torque figure of 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) from 1,750 to 2,700 rpm, the highest torque value of any MINI engine, even the engines within the John Cooper Works family, endows the Cooper SD with vivid performance: in the case of the Hatch a top speed of 134mph and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.1 seconds.

The new diesel engine features an all-aluminium crankcase to keep weight down while a special and very powerful turbocharger with variable intake geometry is controlled by the engine management system to deliver mighty thrust at all engine speeds. However, this new engine does not sacrifice efficiency on the altar of performance. The common-rail direct injection system features solenoid valve injectors in the centre of the cylinder head that inject each precise dose of fuel at a pressure of up to 1,600 bar. But this parsimonious technology is only the beginning because all five MINI Cooper SD models are equipped with the full panoply of MINIMALISM technology to eke ever more miles from every precious litre of diesel.

The MINIMALISM features include Brake Energy Generation, Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and demand-based ancillaries such as the alternator. The result is nothing short of miraculous. While the MINI Cooper SD Hatch will whizz effortlessly up the Col de Turini above Monte Carlo, it sips fuel at the rate of 65.7 mpg on the EU cycle and emits a mere 114 grams of CO2. This secures a zero VED rate and a company car benefit tax rate of 13% including the 3% diesel surcharge.

All Cooper SD models are equipped as standard with a new super light six speed manual gearbox. The 22.8 kilo transmission is the lightest gearbox of its kind and offers well-matched ratios and a precise, short shift gear lever action. A six speed automatic transmission is available as an option and includes shift paddles on the steering wheel for auto drivers with a sporty inclination.

The new diesel engine features the same torque steer management software which was added to the petrol portfolio in September last year.

Complementing the performance potential of the MINI Cooper SD models some distinctive design features adorn the new cars. Echoing the distinctive style of the MINI Cooper S all SD models display a front apron with an extra large air intake and the familiar air scoop on the bonnet. At the rear each SD model sports twin exhaust tailpipes exiting in the centre of the rear apron and an eye-catching roof spoiler. Also in traditional Cooper S style, the side indicator surrounds carry the SD motif.

The John Cooper Works models have long offered the pinnacle of MINI performance and excitement for sport-oriented drivers. From April 2011 a Sports Pack, closely aligned to the JCW models is available for all models of the MINI Hatch and Convertible to enhance exterior and interior individual style and offer more dynamic driving responses.

Each Sport Pack is equipped with a special aerodynamic package that includes a unique front and rear apron with black detailing, horizontal slats on the fog lamp surrounds and a honeycomb mesh over the main air intake. The rear apron also features prominent sculpting at the outer edges while sweeping, curved side skirts continue the sporting theme.

Stepping inside the Sport Pack MINI occupants are greeted by John Cooper Works door entry strips, while the driver grips a tactile JCW black sports leather steering wheel with contrasting red stitching. Manual gearbox examples continue the red theme with a red shift pattern on the gear knob and matching red stitching on the leather gear lever and handbrake gaiter. Cloth-leather sports seats, a Sport Button, Piano Black Interior trim, white indicators and bonnet stripes are also included.

The Sport Pack comes with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (ELDC) to complement the standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. DTC allows more wheel slip before the electronics intervene to allow the driver more control at the touch of a button when pulling away on slippery surfaces and extending greater control for those who require a more sporting driving experience in corners. EDLC also enhances the sporting driving experience by braking a spinning wheel in tighter corners, thereby enhancing traction and increasing cornering speed.

The final flourish of this Sport Pack is provided by the lightweight 17 inch John Cooper Works Cross Spoke alloy wheels. The Pack is available in eight body colours.

Additionally, there are now some attractive John Cooper Works Accessory retrofit additions available exclusively for MINI Cooper S in Hatch, Clubman and Convertible form. These include performance-enhanced engine management and a specially-designed air filter system to maximise the twin-scroll turbo engine output at 200hp (from 184hp) and 250 Nm of torque, with 270Nm using Overboost. The kit also includes a sports exhaust silencer that delivers a more rorty engine note, and the option of 18 inch Cross Spoke Red Stripe alloy wheels.

Further March 2011 Changes:

New 2 litre engine and optional automatic gearbox fitted to the Cooper D models from March 2011, although power and torque outputs will remain at former values.

Special editions from London Town

From March 2011 all MINI Special Editions will be named after London boroughs, districts and landmarks, the first of these is the MINI Clubman Hampton, named after Hampton Court.

MINI Clubman Hampton

The MINI Clubman Hampton is painted in Reef Blue Metallic, a colour specially developed for this edition, with black roof and rear door surrounds. Exclusive black Lounge Leather seats are edged in Damson Red piping and feature a seat tag with an ‘H’ seat tag. The Damson colour theme is repeated on the bonnet stripes, a pinstripe around the mirror caps and in the piping and stitching on the floor mats to highlight the satellite Grey or Carbon Black colour line and the Anthracite headlining. The instrument faces are in Anthracite, like JCW models, while the Central Speedo is also surrounded by a Damson Red ring.

All Hampton editions are fitted as standard with the CHILI pack which includes automatic climate control, on-board computer, Bluetooth with USB Audio, fog lamps, a sports leather steering wheel, a light package and a storage pack. In addition all models feature exclusive 17-inch Twin Spoke alloy wheels with centre caps incorporating a Damson Red lining (wheels in Silver or Black), Bi-Xenon headlights with black interior reflectors and MINI 50 Hampton badging on the door sills, side indicator surrounds and the B pillar and front grille. The MINI 50 Hampton lettering on the the door entry strips recalls the introduction five decades ago of an additional bodywork version on the classic Mini, which today ranks as the historic predecessor of the MINI Clubman.

On the Road Prices for the MINI Clubman Hampton models are:

Cooper Hampton £20,360

Cooper D Hampton £21,710

Cooper D Clubman Hampton Auto £22,905

Cooper S Clubman Hampton £22,445

Cooper SD Clubman Hampton £23,185

January 2013

MINI Clubman Bond Street spedial edition announced. Following the tyre tracks of previous London-inspired MINI special editions such as the Camden, Bayswater and Baker Street, the new Clubman limited edition model named after London's most famous high-end shopping street.

The MINI Clubman Bond Street is finished in a distinctive and lustrous Midnight Black Metallic for the exterior, with a contrasting roof, exterior mirror caps, bonnet stripes and the lower sections of the C-pillars all finished in Cool Champagne. Distinctive twin spoke 17" alloy wheels in black with a highlight being the trim ring around their edge in Cool Champagne. ‘Bond Street' script applied to the side indicator surrounds and on the doors' sill protection strips.

Leather sports seats are finished in Carbon Black with contrast piping and stitching. The instrument panel is covered in Black/Carbon Black leather, while other interior surfaces are finished in Deep Champagne.

Standard equipment, including front fog lights, Chrome line exterior package, climate control, on-board computer, Bluetooth, USB functionality, rain sensor and automatic headlamp activation, sport leather steering wheel, height adjustment for both front seats, the storage package and the lighting package.

The MINI Clubman Bond Street is available with four engine options, consisting of two petrol engines and two diesel-powered options: the MINI Cooper (122hp), MINI Cooper S (184hp), MINI Cooper D (112hp) and MINI Cooper SD (143hp). All engines are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option.