2016 MINI Clubman: Comprehensive Review

2016 MINI Clubman: Comprehensive Review

The MINI Clubman pays homage to its predecessors with its name. While the original version was known for its compact size, the new model boasts a muscular stance. Capitalizing on a 30-year gap, it has undergone a complete transformation, becoming larger and more imposing than ever before.

Exterior Design

To stand out among its competitors, this car has been dubbed the "six-door" vehicle. With its six doors (four side doors and two rear doors), it’s not just practical but also more spacious compared to five-door cars. The additional 270 mm in length compared to the MINI Hatch makes it a commendable contender in the compact car market against rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. While its design may seem unconventional, it is undoubtedly unique and unlike anything you have seen before.

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Interior and Safety

Inside the car, you will find surprises that truly impress. The cabin space is surprisingly roomy, thanks to a wheelbase extended by 100 mm, providing ample legroom suitable for the compact car segment. Coupled with top-notch interior design quality, this is exactly what you would want to see.

With a combination of leather and smooth plastic, round dials, and an upright seating position, the Clubman embodies what the brand aims to achieve. There is no shortage of features, including an 8.8-inch infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and a Harman Kardon sound system, among many others. The trunk space reaches 360 liters, comparable to its German rival, the Volkswagen Golf.

In terms of safety, the car received a four-star rating out of five in the European NCAP crash tests, equipped with numerous safety features such as:

• Parking Assist
• Front Collision Warning System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Dual-Stage Airbags
• Run-Flat Tires

Driving Experience

MINI cars have long been known for providing a go-kart-like driving experience. Despite changes made to the Clubman, it still delivers that exhilarating feel.

Under the hood, the MINI boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 190 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it propels the front wheels from 0 to 100 km/h in under six seconds.

When navigating corners, the Clubman maintains excellent stability without losing control. With a well-crafted suspension system and an impressive chassis, the Clubman shines on the road, making the driver forget about the car's size.

Historically, MINI cars faced criticism for their discomfort, but engineers have made significant strides to change that perception. The driving experience in this model is smoother than its predecessors, proving that the second generation of the Clubman has not lost any of its agility.

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Verdict

The Clubman is anything but ordinary. Its design challenges conventional social norms and the status quo. With its stunning aesthetics and exceptional driving experience, the 2016 MINI Clubman aims to redefine the compact car segment. It all boils down to one choice: either be part of this fantastic journey or remain a mere spectator.

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