Mini Cooper Clubman and its second generation, one stylish diesel Mini currently passed our editorial test.
However, in the second generation, the Clubman has come of age and is no longer the small station wagon that playfully and humorously only has three side doors. The Mini Clubman has grown significantly between generations and is approaching the category of a family station wagon from a classic style car.
The Clubman thereby loses a little of its original originality, on the other hand, it becomes a more practical and usable car that simply appeals to more users.
It is still a vehicle with perfect driving characteristics, which is practical and respects its history. Ultimately, these characteristics run through the entire current range of Mini brand cars offered.
EXTERIOR
The external appearance of the tested Clubman is in the spirit of the contemporary design of the brand's cars.
It is a pleasant design that applies elements from the brand's historical models to modern times.
I personally like this way of referencing history, although I understand that of course it also sells well, but Mini just does it.
The exterior of the Mini is classic in its native language, bearing its usual features.
The front part is equipped with a pair of oval lights with a beautiful light line for daytime running. The radiator grille forms a kind of connecting element between the hood and the bumper. In the lower part of the bumper there are round fog lights, then a discreet plastic lollipop, which merges into the plastic protective edging of the side skirts and thresholds.
The hood of the Mini goes all the way to the protective edges and thus reduces the front fenders to an absolute minimum.
The Clubman and its second generation now have the classic four side doors.
The side part attracts attention with the elegant disproportion of the glazed and solid parts, which are separated by a clear, strictly horizontal chrome line that goes around the entire vehicle.
The rear part has classic double-leaf doors, which it retained from its first generation. The only change is in the position of the rear taillights, they are now positioned higher and have a horizontal proportion and a beautiful light signature. The individual door wings open independently and with the help of struts also by remote control.
The tested version was equipped with a pair of chrome exhaust tips that underline the entire rear section.
The vehicle was also built on impressive 17-inch rims with low-profile shoes.
INTERIOR
The interior of the Clubman is inspired by quality, premium materials.
The instrument panel of the Mini is clear, discreetly lined around its perimeter with a strip in the color of the car's body.
Its center is traditionally dominated by a circular frame, in which the on-board infotainment display is now located, together with the audio system controls.
In the tested version, the frame was surrounded by diodes that change their color.
As is usual with BMW and Mini cars, the display graphics are excellent . The same also applies to its control, which is solved using the touchpad, which is located within the central tunnel.
After the infotainment display, the elements of air conditioning, heating, heating of the front seats, as well as deactivation of the start-stop system or deactivation of stabilization are controlled within the dashboard.
The most interesting thing that happens here, however, is the button for starting the car. It is a distinctive, red controller, the location of which is clear and visible.
The tested version was equipped with a stitched leather steering wheel with reinforcement at the point of its grip. The steering wheel also had buttons for controlling the cruise control, speed limiter, audio system and telephone.
Their course was very pleasant. The cruise control speed setting is interesting. When you press the controller lightly, the speed increases by 1 km/h, when fully pressed, then by 10 km/h.
Within the instruments in the driver's field of vision are the classic Mini speedometer and tachometer indicators together with the fuel quantity indicator.
In addition, the speedometer is equipped with an on-board computer display, which is controlled from the lever controlling the lights and direction indicators. An unconventional but very practical solution.
A retractable head-up display was also placed in the driver's field of vision, displaying information about the current speed and navigation.
The central tunnel is equipped with the already mentioned touchpad for controlling the on-board infotainment and telephone, as well as the parking brake controller and the automatic transmission selector itself. The automatic transmission selector is based on a circular base, which also serves as a drive mode selector.
The appearance and operation of all the controls within the instrument panel give an adequate impression of a premium car.
The only thing I would criticize the car for is the operation of the automatic transmission selector, which I found to be long and not completely smooth.
The tested version of the Cooper SD was equipped with sports seats for the driver and passenger. The position was very pleasant and comfortable. The seats were matched to a burgundy color, as was the color of the body. All this in combination with black and chrome interior accessories looked great as a result.
The Mini Clubman has grown considerably in the second generation. Of course, this was reflected in its interior space. The space on the back seats is sufficient and the trunk has grown to 360 liters between generations.
The shape of the Mini trunk is not entirely practical, it is quite deep. The tested version was equipped with a folding bottom, which leveled the difference between the bottom of the trunk and any folded back seat backrests, into one plane.
On the other hand, access to the trunk is pleasant, thanks to the double doors.
Overall, the interior of the Mini is very playful, but in a very understated way.
The interior is abundantly permeated with circle elements. These can be seen, for example, in the instruments in front of the driver, in the controls on the steering wheel, in the classic Mini frame of the infotainment display, in the drive mode selector or, for example, in the interior handles of individual doors.
ENGINE AND RIDE
The version we tested was powered by a two-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 140kW of power in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts perfectly. With the possibility to control it also with paddles under the steering wheel.
In addition, the Clubman was labeled All4, so it was equipped with 4-wheel drive. It was an excellent combination that brings you very decent driving characteristics.
The Mini could be set to three driving modes (NORMAL, ECO and SPORT). Individual modes are easily distinguishable from each other. In sport mode, the engine is held at much higher revs before shifting, and the reaction to the gas is of course sharper. On the other hand, in eco mode, the engine is very muted, it does not rev up too much, it saves fuel and shifts gears without unnecessary delay. The normal mode is a compromise of the other driving modes and you will use it most often.
The overall driving characteristics of the tested version of the Mini are excellent, it handles highway speeds with great clarity, its chassis fits the zigzags and the city does not give it any problems for its size.
CONCLUSION
Mini Cooper SD Clubman ALL 4, its price starts at 890,000 CZK and yes, it is not at all cheap. However, Mini offers you a high-quality and excellently functioning premium category vehicle. His concept is original with a clear support in history.
So if you want to stand out and enjoy great driving characteristics at the same time, we just have to recommend it.
