This week I’ll introduce you to something a bit different. Unlike the high-performance machines I showed you recently, this one doesn’t have hundreds of horsepower. But like them, it can now only be found on the used market, although that’s not the focus here.
It’s different because, on paper, it’s a five-door car, but in reality… not quite.
It’s also different because this is the car I use every day.
The modern Clubman appeared in 2007 as a more practical version of the already impractical Mini. Although, in truth, it still remains somewhat impractical. Confusing? A bit.
Compared to the standard Mini, the Clubman has an 8 cm longer wheelbase and is 24 cm longer overall. Those extra 8 cm improve rear passenger space, while the rest goes into the boot. But let’s go in order.
Design
From the B-pillar forward, the Clubman is essentially a standard Mini Cooper R56. The design is familiar to everyone, based on the first generation of the modern Mini, created by Frank Stephenson.
Things get… interesting from the B-pillar backwards.
On one side, you have a long window reminiscent of a classic shooting brake. On the other, a small rear door that opens against the direction of travel, just like in a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
At the back, you are greeted by two split doors, van-style, opening automatically to reveal a “massive” 260-litre boot.
The rear design is inspired by the original Mini Traveller, a small British estate from the 1960s. BMW didn’t have the rights to the Traveller name, so they revived the Clubman badge instead.
Overall, the design is unusual, slightly eccentric, and not something everyone will appreciate.
Interior
The interior is typical Mini.
In an effort to look retro, everything that can be round is round, or at least oval. Air vents, door handles, trim elements, climate controls, even the hazard button.
Front and centre sits the iconic oversized speedometer. In newer models it’s no longer placed in the middle of the dashboard, but here it still is. It may look odd in photos, but once you sit inside, it fits perfectly with the car’s character.
It is also completely impractical. Thankfully, there is a digital speed readout in front of the driver.
One of the most distinctive features is the upright front windscreen. It is also quite low, which creates a unique feeling but limits upward visibility. If you are first at a traffic light, you won’t see when it turns green unless you have the optional panoramic roof.
A nice touch are the toggle switches, resembling those you imagine fighter jet pilots would use.
In terms of practicality, you get two gloveboxes, narrow door pockets and five cup holders, despite the car being a four-seater.
Access to the rear seats is easy from the side with the extra door. Space in the back remains tight, but acceptable for medium-distance journeys.
The weakest point of the interior is material quality. It simply does not match a car that started at around €20,000 for a basic petrol and over €23,500 for a Cooper D. Thankfully, this was improved in the newer generation.
On the Road
The strength of any Mini is its handling.
Let’s ignore the usual marketing claims about Minis driving like go-karts. That’s clearly exaggerated, repeated endlessly over the years. Still, the handling really is good.
This comes from the relatively long wheelbase compared to the car’s length, favourable weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. Combined with stiff suspension, the result is stable cornering and an engaging driving experience.
Passengers may disagree, but that’s another topic.
Push harder, and understeer becomes quite noticeable. The stability control does little to counter it.
In terms of performance, the Cooper D is… almost enjoyable.
The 2.0-litre diesel produces 112 hp and 270 Nm, enough for 0 to 100 km/h in just over 10 seconds and a top speed of 197 km/h. Turbo lag is quite pronounced, but somehow it fits the character of the car.
Official fuel consumption is between 3.6 and 4.4 l/100 km. In reality, expect 5 to 7 l/100 km in city driving, depending on traffic and conditions. Outside the city, around 4.5 l/100 km is achievable, while motorway consumption sits between 5 and 6.5.
Overall, not bad.
One drawback of the design is aerodynamic noise. The upright windscreen becomes a problem at higher speeds. Above 120 km/h, noise increases significantly, and beyond 150 km/h it becomes quite intrusive.
The new Clubman:
I attended the launch of the new Clubman at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month.
I didn’t like it.
One of the strangest members of the Mini family has turned into the most practical and most ordinary one. It has lost its charm. It now has normal rear doors, more conventional proportions and a more mainstream feel.
Even small details, like the fuel cap, no longer have the same character.
On the bright side, this loss of charm might actually increase the appeal of the first-generation Clubman. It could gain “youngtimer” status and hold its value better over time.
Conclusion
The first-generation Clubman is a charming little car that can even fit most of your skis.
It has its flaws, but it is fun and full of character. It was expensive when new, around €30,000 for a well-equipped example, and it is not cheap to maintain. However, it holds its value relatively well on the used market.
Most importantly, it delivers enjoyment to its owners.
And sometimes, that’s all that matters.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
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