With the 2007 debut of the Clubman version, Mini aimed to repeat the successful operation already carried out between 1969 and 1980 with the first generation, adding a 'functional' variant characterized by a load compartment - less sacrificed despite the length of only 3.39 meters compared to the 2 basic doors - and more accessible thanks to the rear door with folding opening.
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Mini agility, comfort and dynamic qualities of a C segment
In the 2007 Clubman, that of the BMW management of the brand, another (partial) solution to the problems of accessibility to the rear seats of the Mini 3-door appeared, represented by a small door with an un-braced opening on the right side.
Then, like all the other Minis, the Clubman also grew and in 2014 the length, which rose from 3.94 meters to 4.26 meters, allowing not only to offer four real doors, with the 'usual' split folding opening in the queue, but also to make available a passenger compartment that is finally spacious and worthy of a C-segment car such as the current Clubman.
This latest generation - it should be remembered - is also distinguished by the front with a newly designed radiator grille, by the LED headlights with Matrix function of the high beams, the LED fog lights with driving light ring.
Also characteristic is the tail with horizontally oriented rear lights whose new design of the light sources draws an abstract reminder of the British Union Jack flag.
In the specific case of the Mini Clubman - which we tested for the Cooper SD version with the excellent 4-cylinder Twin Power Turbo diesel of 1.995 cc - the set-up was the 'top of the range' John Cooper Works (JCW) which includes the finishes exterior of the Piano Black Exterior and Mini Excitement packages, the JCW aerodynamic kit and the JCW Grip Spoke Runflat alloy wheels.
But also the dual-zone automatic climate control, the storage package, the Mini Connected Navigation system, the JC Racing seats, the sports steering wheel in nappa leather with JCW badge, the anthracite-colored roof lining, the Piano Black interior surfaces, the Mini Driving Modes and much more. still.
All at a price of 43,650 euros, which rises to 46,950 if the Clubman Cooper SD JCW is ordered with All4 all-wheel drive.
In the city and on extra-urban roads, the Mini Clubman Cooper SD confirms itself as snappy and agile as usual, with the characteristic 'go kart feeling' which does not, however, penalize (as was the case in the first generations) the quality of life on board.
To stay on the subject of comfort, it should be emphasized how this diesel variant stands out for its silence and absence of vibrations - qualities that confirm the premiumness of the latest Minis - so much so as to transform a trip on the motorway, around the legal limits into an experience of a model of upper segment.
Clubman Cooper SD is a perfect 'travel mate' that thanks to the wide choice of connected services included in the Mini Connected system.
They range from traffic information in real time to the possibility of remotely sending the travel program to the navigator via smartphone and obtaining - for example - information on the ideal departure time As present in the use under test, the option Connected Media includes Radio Mini Visual Boost and a 6.5-inch color screen with touchscreen function and a newly developed graphic display.
But let's go back to the beating (and green) heart of this Mini Clubman Cooper SD, If anything were needed, this 190 HP diesel version confirms the perfect balance between performance and efficiency,
with real consumption values - and therefore emissions - that do not stray too far from the WLTP homologation (5.0-5.3 liters per 100 km) as long as you know how to delicately exploit the 400 Nm of torque available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm and, above all, the qualities of the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.
In fact, the environment is grateful if you leave the 225 km / h top speed on paper and the 0-100 km / h sprint in 7.6 seconds, because it is only by using sparingly and intelligently what technology makes available to us that concrete results are obtained, in this case independent of the solution of the problems of electricity, its availability and its quality.
the qualities of the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.
In fact, the environment is grateful if you leave the 225 km / h top speed on paper and the 0-100 km / h sprint in 7.6 seconds, because it is only by using sparingly and intelligently what technology makes available to us that concrete results are obtained, in this case independent of the solution of the problems of electricity, its availability and its quality.
the qualities of the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.
In fact, the environment is grateful if you leave the 225 km / h top speed on paper and the 0-100 km / h sprint in 7.6 seconds, because it is only by using sparingly and intelligently what technology makes available to us that concrete results are obtained, in this case independent of the solution of the problems of electricity, its availability and its quality.
