Mini Clubman Cooper S
Content
Comparison with the classic (modern) Mini is inevitable, especially since the Clubman also shares the front-end look with it. If we focus on the Cooper S version (due to the different bumpers, the differences in dimensions in other versions are insignificant, but not significant), then everything will be something like this: Clubman is 244 millimeters longer, the same width, the van is 19 millimeters higher, the distance 80 mm more between axles.
It makes sense that with a nearly XNUMX-meter van, we first think about more space and (slightly) poorer handling. The first is true, but we have to speak with reservations about more mistreatment. The wider wheelbase brought the most backseat space, where, unless of course there is length in the front, two (finally) tall adults who (don't have to worry about knee and head health) can (finally)) feel comfortable ...
Access to the rear bench is easier on the Clubman than on the regular Mini. On the right, in addition to the front passenger door, there are small doors that open in the opposite direction in the Mazda RX-8 style and provide a more convenient entry for the rear passenger (s). Doors open only from the inside. For us continental Europeans, it was not difficult to come to terms with this, because because of the door on the right, our children can jump out of the car only onto the sidewalk, not onto the road.
It's different in the UK and other countries. Yes, the Mini Clubman only has a double door on the right side, and to further exacerbate the islanders' plight, the driver must get out of the car to provide passengers with an easy exit, as the double door is on its side and the other door. must be open to open before. ...
Of course, passengers from the rear seat can enter and exit from the side where there is only one door, but it is rather inconvenient to do this there, since the opening is smaller due to the B-pillar and only one door. Wish they had blessed the double doors on the other side in Munich. Thanks to the wide opening provided by the double doors, the passenger sits on the seat almost directly from the sidewalk, paying attention only to the front passenger's seat belt, which is fastened to the small side door and waits for unwary victims like a loop.
The Clubman also has a much larger luggage compartment where you can now store 160 liters of luggage instead of 260, but if you fold the rear seats (although they are ergonomically designed for two bodies, they are actually designed for three passengers as they have three pillows and three seat belts), the volume increases to a more generous 930 liters, which is still much less compared to competitors such as the Škoda Fabia Combi, Renault Clio Grandtour and the Peugeot 207 SW (its RC version even has the same engine as the Cooper S ).
The spaciousness is relative, and when you first open the swing door (gas flap, first the right, then the left wing) of the trunk, which is a retro souvenir of the Traveler, old Clubman and Countryman, you don't know if to cry or laugh. Especially when you bear in mind the boot volume of the aforementioned competitors (by the way, for the Clubman price, you get two very well equipped and exemplary motorized competitors, and you still have euros left for your vacation).
Yes, there is not much space, maximum for the largest suitcase (like our test one), a suitcase and a bag, and under the two shelves at the bottom of the trunk (for an additional fee) there is also mandatory equipment, such as a notebook and a pack of magazines. And it's all. But since there is more of it than in the shorter Mini, something matters too. Without a shelf to provide a double bottom, the step is created with the rear Clubman seats folded, and with an integrated shelf, the bottom is flat.
The Mini is special, and the Clubman is its more spacious upgrade that increases choice, offers more space (previously, cramped front seats were out of the question) and still capitalizes on the emotions of wealthy customers. Just look at its shape. It's so ugly that it's already pretty cute, isn't it?
In addition to spaciousness, the extension made other changes. Behind the rear wheels, the overhang has become longer, the rear is heavier, and there are also changes in the chassis that are more related to settings. Since the test Clubman Cooper S was shod with 16-inch winter tires (the Cooper S tested last year had 17-inch summer tires with a low cut), it was more comfortable to drive, although its chassis is also stiff.
Rigidity can be annoying only after several kilometers of driving on a very bad road, otherwise the Clubman in this version is quite an everyday car. Driving pleasure is completely comparable to a limousine thanks to more weight, longer length, longer wheelbase, etc. but we can also talk about differences. The Clubman's turning circle is 0 meters longer, and while the van has lost a bit of agility, it's still one of the few in its class that can be ridden just for fun.
This is a car that can turn even such a bad day into a beautiful one. The more turns, the wider the smile. Clubman is also a toy for adults, because everything seems to be created for the driver who demands only the best from the car. The steering wheel is excellent despite the electric power steering, the six-speed shifter is also excellent due to its generosity and precision, the gear ratios are short and the engine is praised in the P207 RC and Mini Cooper S - it is responsive. , low-speed and in each gear rotates in the red field (6.500 rpm).
Overtaking is a feline cough that is only bothered by the restlessness (vibration) when running at ease, its loudness (especially on cold mornings) and noise at higher speeds. The latter is known on motorways due to the short gearbox, since at 160 km / h, when the tachometer shows about 4.000 rpm, it is necessary to increase the volume of a good radio (or set automatic increase by selectors).
Thanks to the engine, which is ready to run at low revs, the sixth gear operates from about 60 kilometers per hour (about 1.400 rpm) to speeds of over 200 km / h, which is achieved quickly and quietly. Thanks to the favorable torque, you can also be lazy when shifting and completely forget about the first five gears on the track. The Clubman lies perfectly on the pavement, handles safely, its behavior is completely predictable, and the track is a lot of fun.
It is only when driving fast uphill corners that the drive wheels can soon become empty when accelerating from slow corners (including due to the heavier rear end weight) on slippery surfaces (the optional differential lock makes sense if you plan on taking such feats). But how can you not have racing ambitions and drive pretty well in fifth gear at 1.400? 1.500 rpm and 50 kilometers per hour.
And if the temptation arises (believe me, sooner or later!) Step on the gas pedal at the sign marking the end of the settlement, just do it? but since the herd under the hood will be moving fast, you will soon have to slow down. The brakes are commendable too.
The interior resembles that of the Mini station wagon, so we won't pay much attention to it, as we have already described in previous Minias. The large gauge in the middle is hard to read, fortunately there is a digital speed display below the tachometer. It fits perfectly, only the leather on the seats is superfluous (slips when driving fast!), I like the “airplane” switches, and everything is configured in the user interface (6 inch screen is not sensitive to touch), from blocking, work lights, screen. . ).
The Clubman is also equipped with BMW's Start-Stop system (tested and described in the Enice test), which turns off the engine at intersections and turns it on again when you press the clutch for a more economical ride. This system, in addition to which the Clubman also has braking energy regeneration and other Efficient Dynamics (gear selection consultant) capabilities, requires temperatures above three degrees Celsius to operate, so we were not able to test it during the cold season when we tested the Clubman. Of course, like the dynamic stability system, it can be turned off. Clubman also provides welcome assistance at the start of the climb.
The Mini Clubman is about 2.200 euros more expensive than the Mini. Add tons of money for "emergency" accessories (storage bag, fog lights, xenon headlights, air conditioning, trip computer, metal paint, electrically adjustable glass roof, leather, cruise control, improved radio) and you already get more than 30 thousand euros. Reserved for rare clients.
Mini Clubman Cooper S
Basic data
| Sales: | BMW GROUP Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 25.350 € |
| Test model cost: | 32.292 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 128kW (174 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 7,6 with |
| Maximum speed: | 224 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 6,3l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - gasoline with forced refueling - longitudinally mounted in front - displacement 1.598 cm? – maximum power 128 kW (174 hp) at 5.500 rpm – maximum torque 240-260 Nm at 1.600-5.000 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine-driven front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 175/60 / R 16 H (Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D M + S). |
| Capacity: | top speed 224 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 7,6 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 8,0 / 5,3 / 6,3 l / 100 km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | wagon - 4 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front individual suspension, leaf springs, triangular cross rails, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, transverse rails, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced-cooled), rear disc – ride 11 m – petrol tank 50 l. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.205 kg - permissible gross weight 1.690 kg. |
| Box: | Trunk volume was measured with a standard AM set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 liters): 1 suitcase (85,5 liters), 1 aircraft suitcase (36 liters); 1 × backpack (20 l); |
Our measurements
| T = -1 ° C / p = 768 mbar / rel. vl. = 86% / Tires: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D M + S / Meter reading: 4.102 XNUMX km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 8,6s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 16,5 years ( 149 km / h) |
| 1000m from the city: | 29,0 years ( 190 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 6,1 / 7,8s |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 7,8 / 9,0s |
| Maximum speed: | 225km / h (WE.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 7,4l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 10,5l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 9,3 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 43,6m |
| AM table: | 41m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear | 57dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear | 70dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 68dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 67dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear | 66dB |
| Idling noise: | 38dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
Overall rating (337/420)
Deciding which Mini is going to be even harder now, but if it's money and if you cover life with a big spoon, you won't regret buying the Clubman CS. If there is no euro, it is better not to even try. So at least you won't know what you are missing.
Exterior (11/15)
Attractiveness does not always mean beauty ideals. The build quality could have been better.
Interior (102/140)
More points mainly due to the space for the rear passengers. The trunk is also more acceptable size, but still small for this class.
Engine, transmission (40
/ 40)27 Superb perfection. Only on the highway, sixth gear can be too loud.
Driving performance (89
/ 95)So much is not known about the extra inches and pounds that we could not write that the Clubman Cooper S is also in great shape.
Performance (27/35)
Flexibility, torque, horses, joy to work. Sample!
Security (26/45)
Excellent brakes, secure position and an informative steering wheel. Just in case: four airbags, two curtain airbags, Isofix mounts ...
Economy
It is even more expensive than a sedan, which is quite logical. Consumption can also be moderate.
We praise and reproach
capacity (passengers)
recognizability and playfulness of the external image
engine
Transmission
brakes
conductivity
price
no coolant temperature gauge
less legible speedometer
(still) small trunk
little serial equipment
engine noise (highway)
