Review of Mini Clubman 2016: appearance of the model, interior, technical characteristics, security systems, prices and equipment. At the end of the review - a test drive of the new Mini Clubman!
Contents of the review:
- Appearance
- Salon
- Features of the new Mini Clubman
- Security systems
- Cost and configuration of Mini Clubman 2016
Mini cars are truly original and iconic cars that originate from the distant 1958. At that time, the model was positioned as a compact city car of a budget class, which, despite its toy dimensions, was able to take on board up to 4 adult passengers. In 1963, a "charged" version of the Mini Cooper S was released, which was destined to become a true racing legend. In 1994, the car brand was bought by the German automaker BMW - since then a completely new round of development has begun for the Mini brand. Under the control of the Germans, the car outgrew the budget class and moved into the league of "premium" city cars.
The Clubman modification first appeared in 2008, although the first photos of the grown Mini were presented a year earlier. The car came to the liking of the world community, as it became more versatile and practical, while retaining the habits of a karting car. In 2015, the BMW carmaker presented the second generation Clubman at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
It should be noted right away that the car has significantly increased in size, thanks to which it can be safely attributed to the C-class, where the main competitors are the Audi A3, the A-class from Mercedes-Benz and a fellow carmaker - the 1-series BMW.
Representatives of "Mini" note that the second generation of "Clubman" is a completely new, more practical and roomy car, while retaining the family's handling.
Exterior of the new Mini Clubman
The second generation of "Clubman" differs from its predecessor primarily in that from now on the car is made in the classic 5-door design. Recall that earlier the Clubman was equipped with an original half-door opening in a non-traditional way, which made it somewhat difficult for passengers to get into the rear row of seats.
The front of the car is exactly the same as in the latest version of the classic Mini hatchback. In place are branded oval headlights, a hexagonal radiator grille, a massive bumper with built-in large fog lights, as well as an original slot for an additional air intake on the hood. The main differences begin further - the car's profile has become not only stylish and original, but also attractive.
It should be noted that the profile is made in the style of a classic station wagon - large front and rear doors, a flat roofline and a small stern. The designers equipped the car with large wheel arches, framed by an original plastic body kit, which looks modern, as well as a small antenna fin, which has a built-in LED, which makes it easy to identify the car, for example, in a crowded parking lot in front of a supermarket.
Also, the profile of the new Clubman acquired spectacular aerodynamic slots located in the front fenders, which are familiar from the BMW X5 crossover. The feed of the novelty has received a new horizontal optics of the rear dimensions, which has an original drawing. The designers also retained the original tailgate, which received new chrome handles and an original contactless opening system. From now on, you can open the trunk not only from the keychain, but also by swiping your foot under the rear bumper - this solution looks unusual and original.
As noted earlier, the second generation of "Clubman" has significantly increased in size, which are:
- Length - 4253 mm (an increase of 295 mm);
- Width - 1800 mm (plus 117 mm);
- Height - 1441 mm (an increase of 9 mm);
- Wheelbase - 2670 mm, which is 123 mm more than the first generation Clubman.
The car is offered in 12 body colors, as well as three types of roof colors. By the way, the German designers did a great job - they managed to preserve the signature features of the Mini despite the significantly increased dimensions, as well as to make the car more practical and stylish. Although it must be admitted that the car has lost its experienced charisma, giving way to versatility.
Interior of the second generation Clubman
Compared to the hatchback, the new Clubman has a different front fascia, with a slightly modified center console and a wider center tunnel. In general, in the interior of the novelty, the designers decided to deviate somewhat from the theme of "circles in everything", which is confirmed not by the round speakers located in the doors, but also by the reflectors of the air ducts. At the same time, the corporate circle, located in the center console, where the control unit for the multimedia and entertainment system is traditionally located and which has an original "chip" - an LED edging that can be highlighted in different colors, remained in place. Also, one cannot fail to note the presence of a fairly wide glossy border, which seems to encircle the dashboard, which makes the car interior more expensive and serious.
As befits a premium car, the Clubman's interior uses high quality materials and all controls are in their familiar positions, providing excellent ergonomics in the driver's seat. The seats of the front passengers have a pronounced lateral support, reliably fixing the driver's body even when cornering at maximum speeds. By the way, for the first time they are equipped with electrical adjustments, which is good news. The car interior can be made of fabric, a combination of fabric and leather, and also be completely leather.
The seats of the rear passengers can comfortably accommodate two passengers, however, even the third passenger will not feel superfluous here. The backrests of the rear seats can be tilted and, if necessary, they can be folded in classic proportions to accommodate more luggage. The boot volume in the stowed state is 360 liters, and with the rear seat backs folded out - 1250 liters (record figures for a Mini).
I was pleased with the presence of a stowaway (optional), which is located in the underground luggage compartment - a mandatory necessity that was absent from its predecessor.
Separately, I would like to note the presence of the original head-up display, which is in front of the driver and which, if desired, can be removed, as well as a comfortable, sports multifunctional steering wheel, with which you can control a large number of systems preinstalled in the "station wagon".
Specifications Mini Clubman 2016
The updated Clubman 2016 model year is built on the proprietary platform UKL1, which assumes the presence of a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear. The car has become softer and more friendly, but this is the usual modification, the more charged version of the Clubman S is equipped with stiffer shock absorbers and a sporty tuned suspension that clearly conveys all the bumps in the road to the cabin. The manufacturer notes that along with the dimensions, the track has also increased, thanks to which the car can still boast of minimal rolls, calligraphic accurate cornering and extraordinary grip on the road surface, as befits a real Mini.
The line of power units is represented by three modifications - one diesel engine and two petrol engines, each of which uses the proprietary TwinPower Turbo technology, the "Start-Stop" function, as well as the energy recovery system released during braking.
- Diesel Clubman (version with index D) is represented by a 2-liter "four" with a capacity of 150 hp. Such a motor can work both with 6-level mechanics and with a modern 8-range "automatic". Acceleration from 0 to 100 takes 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 212 km / h. Fuel consumption, according to the developer, varies between 4.1-4.4 l / 100 km;
- The classic Clubman of the second generation is equipped with a 136-horsepower 1.5-liter petrol engine and can be equipped with a similar diesel version of the gearbox. Acceleration from 0 to 100 takes 9.1 seconds, and the maximum declared speed is 205 km / h, while the fuel consumption does not exceed 5.3 l / 100 km.;
- The Clubman S version is equipped with a 192-horsepower 2-liter gasoline engine. There is also a choice of mechanical or automatic transmission, with which the machine can change the first hundred in 7.1 seconds;
- Maximum speed "is 228 km / h, and fuel consumption is 5.8-6.3 liters.
Safety
As befits a premium car, the updated Mini Clubman has a complete package of active and passive safety systems on board. Among them: ABS, EBD systems, dynamic stabilization and directional stability systems, adaptive braking and blind spot tracking systems, cruise control, at least 6 airbags and a number of other newfangled "chips".
Options and prices of the new Mini Clubman
Already in the basic equipment, the car is offered with a good set of equipment, which includes:
- audio system with 2.7-inch display;
- interior fabric upholstery;
- "Start-Stop" system;
- air conditioning, as well as heated front seats;
- LED framing of the multimedia system;
- full power accessories, electric headlights and foglights;
- Bluetooth support;
- anti-lock braking system and several airbags;
- 16-radius rims.
The price of a car in basic equipment starts at $ 20.1 thousand (1.349 million rubles).
In more expensive trim levels, the car is presented:
- a more advanced multimedia system with a 6.5 or 8.8-inch display;
- electrically adjustable seats;
- panoramic glass roof;
- two-zone climate control;
- electric tailgate;
- parktronic;
- switching driving modes and suspension behavior;
- higher quality seat upholstery (optional combination or full leather);
- multifunctional steering wheel;
- wheels of 17-radius.
A more expensive modification is sold at a price of 25 thousand dollars (1.679 million rubles), while traditionally for Mini models, the car's price list boasts a huge list of additional equipment.
The updated Mini Clubman for 2016 is a completely new car with more adult dimensions, better materials for finishing, and finally becoming more versatile and more practical. With the release of the second generation of the Clubman model, it is able to become a full-fledged family car, while retaining the trademark features of the classic Mini - excellent handling and agility. Time will tell whether the car will “shoot” in Russia, but the car certainly deserves closer attention.
Other photos of Mini Clubman 2016:
Mini
