2016 Cooper Clubman
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
Base price: Cooper Clubman, $24,950; Cooper S Clubman, $28,500
Engine types: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve 1.5-liter inline-3, 134 hp, 162 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 189 hp, 207 lb-ft
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 105.1 in
Length: 168.3 in
Width: 70.9 in
Height: 56.7 in
Passenger volume: 90-93 cu ft
Cargo volume: 18 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 3100-3300 lb
Fuel economy: EPA city/highway driving: 22-25/32-35 mpg
The Mini Cooper Clubman was introduced for model year 2008 as a wagon version of the standard Cooper, with a longer wheelbase, more interior space, a split rear cargo door and a passenger-side door.
Since then, roof rails, a rear spoiler, cruise control, a twice upgraded steering system, an upgraded optional sound system (Harmon Kardon), increased horsepower, trim updates, Bluetooth, and numerous interior and exterior style tweaks have been added.
Clubman took 2015 off, and comes back completely redesigned and bigger for 2016. The split rear doors remain, with four full-size side doors, two engine choices and 48 cubic feet of hauling capacity with the 60/40 rear seat folded flat (17.5 cubic feet behind the upright second seat).
Although the Clubman is small for a station wagon, it has a big personality. According to miniusa.com, 10 million configurations are possible, with prices starting at $24,100.
For 2016, the Clubman is a little more than a foot longer than the 2014 model, at 168.3 inches. The wheelbase is now almost five inches longer, at 105.1 inches, and Clubman is 4.6 inches wider, at 70.9 inches. Height remains the same — 56.7 inches.
Improvements extend to the interior with more premium materials in the form of better trim, softer plastic on the doors and dash (customizable with several trim coverings), and an optional ambient lighting system that changes color depending on the driving mode selected, using a ring at the base of the shifter knob.
Sport Mode adds extra oomph to acceleration and steering, Green Mode makes the car more fuel efficient, and Mid Mode gives a blend of exhilaration and efficiency.
Fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway with the automatic transmission, or 23/33 with the manual.
An automatic stop-start feature offers extra fuel savings, shutting off the engine while the vehicle is stopped and turning it back on when the brake is released. The function can be a little rough on restarting, but can be disabled via a toggle switch if the distraction is troubling. Toggle switches are used on the center console, with the glowing red ignition toggle in the center.
Ten exterior colors are available; two standard colors for no additional charge, seven metallic colors for $500, with British Racing Green II available only on the Clubman S model ($27,650), and one premium color (Lapisluxury Blue) for $1,000. Roof and mirrors are available in Body Color, Black and White for both models, and Melting Silver for the base model.
My Clubman was the base model for $24,100, equipped with a 134-horsepower 1.5-liter, TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission ($1,500). It rode on 17-inch Net Spoke Black Wheels ($750) with performance run-flat tires.
Steptronic brought paddle shifters to the steering wheel for the thrill of a manual, if that’s your style. The TwinPower Turbo supplied torque immediately, and then steadily through acceleration.
My tester had a Technology Package for $1,750, which included Connected+Visual Boost XL, Real Time Traffic Information, Navigation System XL, Rearview Camera, and Rear Park Distance Control.
This package brought a crystal-clear 8.8-inch high-resolution display to replace the smaller standard screen, while maintaining the basic functions of the original system and replacing the standard center stack and audio controls.
Standard is a six-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD radio, auxiliary input and USB port. The multi-function Sport leather steering wheel had cruise and audio controls with ergonomic leather hand grips.
Standard equipment included dual-zone, fully-electronic automatic climate control with active cabin filtration system to help control malodorous scents and polluted air.
The standard eight air bags included two front, two side-impact, two knee and two ceiling mounted side curtain bags with passenger monitoring to determine deployment based on position, seatbelt use and impact severity.
All three rear seats had a child safety seat system with lower hooks and upper tether brackets. Safety was enhanced by dynamic stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, antilock braking, and corner brake control.
The Clubman for 2016 is fun to drive and to look at; easy to park; nimble and enthusiastic on curvy roads; fuel efficient, extraordinarily customizable, and versatile. The cabin was quiet enough for casual conversation, although the ride could be a little stiff.
With $8,500 in options and $850 destination charges added to the base price, the total sticker price for my Mini Clubman was $33,450.
