The new 2016 MINI Cooper Clubman and Cooper Clubman S are a big deal to the iconic British automaker. Although the last-generation Mini Clubman was based on the MINI Cooper Hardtop, the new 2016 Mini Clubman models feature a unique chassis, and its larger size slots it into the premium compact segment, according to Mini.
Where the previous-generation Mini Clubman, which debuted in 2007, had a small rear-hinged third door on the passenger side, the new larger MINI Cooper Clubman has four full-size front-hinged doors. The rear barn doors remain. At 168.3 inches in overall length on a 105.1-inch wheelbase and a 79.6-inch width (including mirrors), the new Mini Clubman is 10.9 inches longer with a 4.0-inch longer wheelbase and is 2.9 inches wider than the standard Mini Cooper Hardtop. Inside, there is room for five passengers with three-across seating in the second row and 17.5 cubic-feet of cargo area behind the second row and up to 47.9 cubic-feet with the second-row 60/40 seat folded. A 40/20/40 split rear seat is also available.
Power for the Mini Clubman and Clubman S comes from the same turbocharged I-3 and I-4 engines as the regular Mini. The 1.5-liter, turbocharged I-3 in the base Clubman makes 134 hp at 4,400 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 1,250 rpm. Available transmissions include a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The Clubman S is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged I-4 rated 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a eight-speed Steptronic automatic with paddle shifters that's new to the Mini brand. Mini claims that the base Clubman can hit 60 mph in 8.9 seconds with either transmission and has a top speed of 127 mph and that the Clubman S can reach 60 mph in 7.0 seconds with manual or 6.9 seconds with automatic and has a top speed of 142 mph.
Other new firsts for the Mini brand on the Clubman include an electric parking brake, and an available power seat in a special equipment package that includes the Mini Yours interior styles and backlit door bezels. An available Mini Excitement package includes LED interior and ambient lighting, with the Mini logo projected to the ground from the outside mirrors. The Comfort Access option features a foot-activated sensor to open the cargo area doors. LED headlights and foglights, Mini driving modes (Green, Mid, and Sport), and dynamic damper control are also available.
