Mini Cooper D Clubman car review

First UK drive

The Clubman takes Mini’s drivability and element of fun and adds a bit more space – and it does it very well. The Mini Cooper D Clubman then adds the frugal factor, with just 109g/km of CO2 and the ability to do 68.9 miles one very gallon of fuel.

You’ll recognise the Clubman engine range from its three-door sibling. Petrol buyers can choose between the entry-level One’s 98bhp unit, 122bhp 1.6-litre unit and a turbocharged version in the form of the 184bhp Cooper S.

The efficient 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel we are testing is equipped with start-stop, gear-shift indicator and brake energy regeneration, which captures some of the energy lost through braking to recharge the battery. It delivered plenty of pulling power and it’s effortless to drive.

It is capable of going from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds – just half a second slower than its petrol counterpart – and on to a top speed of 120mph. The steering is responsive and the standard six-speed gearbox is impressively smooth, with plenty of acceleration in each gear – so much so that you couldn’t help but smile while driving it.

The Clubman is 8cm longer than the standard Mini, which does alter the handling balance. It doesn’t feel as sharp around corners and it doesn’t really provide the same feeling of absolute joy, but it does have its merits.

The ride is firm but not overly so, while the overall driving experience is effortless thanks to a well-built cabin and minimal engine noise, even with the windows down. Everything is adjustable meaning getting a comfortable driving position is easy – not something that could be said for some of its rivals.

The Clubman is a very authentic take on a classic, with its two doors at the back instead of the conventional boot opening. This does give you impressive load access but it comes at the price of rear-view visibility. The rear window is dominated by a chunky pillar, which for the first couple days you could find quite annoying. This feeling will subside as you got used to it, but if we could change one thing about the car it would be this.

Full gallery: Mini Cooper D Clubman

The controversial third door – a half door on the driver’s side which opens suicide-style – has been heavily criticised for forcing any rear passengers to exit the car into oncoming traffic. We just didn’t agree, as you always have to open the driver’s door first making it no different to any other three-door on the market. Though we didn’t see any considerable benefit during our week, it is a great asset for anybody with a young family.

The one thing a Mini guarantees is tonnes of character. From the oversized speedometer and aircraft-style toggle switches to the subtle mood-lighting. This all contributes to the Clubman’s love-it-or-hate-it it effect and it’s surprising how quickly you adapt to its little quirks.

Mini has never been known for its cheap price tags and diesel-engined versions have always cost a fair few hundred pounds more than their standard petrol equivalents. The Clubman is a prime example of this. While a hatchback Cooper D will set you back £15,185, the Clubman we tested came at a £1,000 premium.

Some will find the diesel engine doesn’t quite have the refinement of the petrol version, or suit the fun nature of a Mini. But it is an amazing compromise when you consider its fuel-efficiency and emission savings. It’s difficult to justify not opting for the more frugal option when it still provides a seriously fun driving experience.

The quality of materials is generally good, but things like the electric window switches feel a bit flimsy. To avoid any nasty surprises later on it’s well worth shelling out the extra £200 for Mini tlc, which gives you five years or 50,000 miles free servicing.

The Clubman doesn’t come with much equipment as standard. There are 16-inch alloy wheels, a sport button, air conditioning, electric door mirrors and electric front frameless windows. Standard safety features including six airbags, a crash sensor and dynamic stability control, with hill assist and traction control.

But like every other Mini, there’s no shortage of extras and paint options, including 12 exterior colours, 12 alloy designs, 36 colour schemes and 14 seat options. There are also some appealing trim packs: Pepper costs an extra £900 and adds a two-spoke leather steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and front fog lights, while Chili is an extra £2,030 for automatic air-con, front sport seats and upgraded alloys.

Personalisation has proved so popular with buyers that many manufacturers have now followed suit, with the Audi A1, Fiat 500 and Citroen DS3 all vying for attention. These rivals are hoping to make life difficult for Mini over the next couple of years.

Reasons for buying a Mini hatchback are obvious: running costs are low, they hold on to their value well as demand is always high and reliability is good, too. But the reasons for choosing a Clubman haven’t always been as clear cut. The rear visibility is poor, it’s expensive and, as with the hatch, you have to pay for some things that should be standard.

The one rear door is on the ‘wrong’ side and even though the Clubman is bigger than the hatchback, the boot is still pretty small, at 260 litres instead of 160 litres.

But the Clubman isn’t an estate and it’s unfair to compare it to one.  It’s a more spacious and practical version of the hatch, that also gives you room for four adults, an enjoyable drive, a comfortable ride and sturdy residuals.

The diesel Clubman adds the frugal factor with great fuel-efficiency and low emissions, meaning it qualifies for VED band B and making it free to tax for the first year and only £20 every year after that. If you’re looking for a seriously fun motor but maximising fuel efficiency and lowering emissions are concerns then the diesel-powered Clubman has got to be a strong contender.