The Mini That Still Grows Up. Mini Clubman One D
MINI CLUBMAN ONE D
THE MINI THAT STILL GROWS UP
Words by Marco Rallo
Photos by Gian Romero
Presented in 2007 and renewed in 2015, today’s Clubman has very little in common with the original model roaming the streets in the 70s. Increasingly maxi and less mini I would say, but in this way it could seem a defect. What needs to be emphasized is that if a traditional Mini is one of the ideal cars for the city and for young drivers, the Clubman is the answer to those with families and those who need space in the back. What has not been lost is the most distinctive feature of this famous version equipped with a two-door tailgate: one that opens towards the right and the other to the left, but be careful not to be too close or the strength of the opening mechanism could break your nose.
We have here the interesting One D, equipped with a three-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which intends to offer significant savings in terms of fuel consumption, without affecting the verve you need facing some road outside the city center, because, in the end, the Clubman, with its comfortable four seats and a load compartment that for a traditional Mini would be science fiction, is the answer to all your needs.
WHAT’S THAT?
This Clubman is a good 29cm longer than the previous model replaced about 3 years ago, but putting them side by side you notice that all the overall dimensions have been become more generous. Longer, but also taller, wider and above all roomier, to the full advantage of cockpit habitability and exterior look, which now seems much more homogeneous, also thanks to the new design of the optical units, very beautiful especially at the rear, where they go to match perfectly with the large chrome handle. It must be said that the Clubman pays 125 extra kilos to a normal Mini, but then you have to do with a whole different car, both in terms of appearance, that of dynamics, but we will talk about this later on. It is massive and has no fear of showing off its generous lines, one more reason to opt for parking sensors, fundamental on the rear bumper, since the split tailgate creates some visibility problems when maneuvering.
WHAT ABOUT THE INTERIOR?
Remarkable jump forward in the cockpit, in fact, as soon as you get on board you are literally welcomed by a nice environment that offers a feeling of precision identical to what you would feel on a random BMW. As standard, the Clubman fits the basic navigation system of the company and still from the 8.8″ central display you can play with the many features, including maximum connectivity with your smartphone, audio system and driving parameters, all to be managed with the excellent BMW iDrive wizardry. The model I’m testing mounts modest fabric seats, still comfortable even over long distances. I love the red switch for the ignition (with keyless technology) and the steering wheel with such a thick crown. In addition, the 6-speed manual transmission is precise and communicates with the clutch without any slightest uncertainty. The environment on board is that of a much more expensive car, but in fact the Clubman is Mini only in the name by now; there is space for those in front and for those who sit behind and every surface all around is finished as it should be.
HOW IT DRIVES?
I’m not at the wheel of the Cooper nor the more powerful Cooper S, but the One D proves to have a fair reserve of torque, with its 270Nm that push well right away. The maximum power is only 116hp (keep in mind that the first Mini Cooper by BMW had 115), but turn out to be enough to make it agile in city traffic and able to tackle roads that would enhance the go kart feeling we all love, an aspect that on the Clubman has however necessarily left room for practicality. I feel I can call it fun, even if I do not want to delude you by imagining downshift bangs and corners faced on the razor’s edge, but certainly it’s not a boring car and arrived at your destination after a long journey, you have no problems starting and grinding more miles once again.
FINAL VERDICT
The new Clubman shows how Mini is moving more and more its steps in an area that until a few years ago was far from its viewfinder and is doing it with models (this also applies to the Countryman) able to meet the expectations of those who are fond to the brand and also to the needs of those who cannot miss discrete space on board. The One D is undoubtedly the choice that prefers a more reasoned fuel consumption, with an average of 3.8l/100km. Prices start at just over € 25,000, but as you know, playing with the specs can bring you over 30 thousand without even realizing it. That said, in my life I have never heard anyone regretting the purchase of a Mini and this is due to the fact that the BMW experience has been able to link at best with the youthful look of Mini, which now also winks the eye to those who need to load something more than a small suitcase.
MINI CLUBMAN ONE D
Layout – front-engined, front wheel drive
Engine – 3 cylinder 1.496cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – 6-speed manual gearbox
Power – 116 hp @ 4.000 rpm
270 Nm @ 1.750 rpm
Weight – 1.445 kg
Acceleration – 10,8 sec.
Top Speed – 192 kph
Price – from € 25.850