The 2016 MINI Clubman packs a lot of car into a little shape. While completely redesigned for 2016, it still feels every bit a MINI. Two powertrains are available in two trims, a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine in the base trim makes 134 horsepower and 162 lb-feet of torque. The uplevel S trim gets a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder capable of 189 horses and 207 lb-feet of torque. Both engines can be had with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic.
This Clubman is built on a platform similar to the MINIs 4-door Cooper. This means 4 "real" full-size doors. The Clubman also carries on the tradition of rear center-split "barn doors". These doors open to reveal 17.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the rear seats down, and it becomes 48 cubic feet.
The usual MINI look and feel carries through the interior. The large center pod doesn't have a speedometer anymore, but it does carry the vehicle's entertainment and navigation systems. Rounded corners, metal trim and toggle switches complete the MINI experience.
Standard equipment includes 16" alloy wheels with run-flat tires, heated mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. Inside the standard steering wheel is leather-wrapped, proximity key, a 6.5" screen as well as all the usual power accessories.
Standard safety equipment includes stability and traction control, tire pressure monitors, front and curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag.
The S trim gets the more powerful engine and also 17" alloy wheels, a lip spoiler, fog lamps and carbon fiber interior trim.
Options allow a lot of customization in typical MINI fashion. No fewer than 5 alloy wheel choices are available, as are 3 different colored roof and mirror caps and both white and black bonnet stripes. A Premium package upgrades the audio system to a Harman/Kardon system, adds a panoramic moonroof and a proximity entry key system. A Technology package includes a rearview camera, a rear park distance control, integrated navigation with traffic information. Heated and power-adjustable seats are available, as are LED fog lamps and adaptive headlamps.
BMW's Dynamic Damper Control, which allows the driver to modify suspension settings on the fly, is available, and included in the Sport package.
Adorable Small-car Looks
Strong Fuel Economy
Fun To Drive
Quirky "barn Door" Cargo Access
After a year off, the MINI Clubman returns completely redesigned for 2016. The new Clubman is bigger than any that came before. While it maintains the original's rear center-split doors, little else has stayed the same. The new Clubman greets buyers with four full-size doors, two engine choices and 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down. Maintaining MINI's attention to driving personality, the new Clubman is about as much fun as can be had driving a station wagon.
MINI has always brought a premium feel to the compact car segment. While the Clubman may be small by wagon standards, it offers a lot of personality. MINI is known for offering a lot of customization options, meaning no two Clubmans are quite alike.
In either powertrain, the MINI brings the fun of driving into every trip, yet maintaining strong fuel economy numbers. Prices start at just over $24,000.