MyCars Car Review - 2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman Auto
11 Jul 2012
Type: Long distance test – Return trip from Johannesburg to DurbanMileage: 12 450kmDistance travelled: 1235kmFuel consumed: 95 LitresAverage consumption: 13km/litrePower: 135kw/240 Nm (260 Nm in overboost)Test Driver: Miss “M”
First Look – Driver’s Impression
Mini is known for creating fun-filled and confident vehicles that delight their fans with
go-kart-like handling and proficient engine platforms. As part of the extended
BMW family Minis come standard with a
3-year/75000km maintenance plan that can be fulfilled at the numerous Mini dealerships across South Africa. At first glance it would seem that the Clubman doesn’t offer much more interior space than its Cooper siblings, but we were pleasantly surprised when our test model arrived at the office.
Rear legroom is increased significantly with the RHS “rear” door providing easy access to the rear seats. The boot space of the Clubman is also significantly more than that of the regular Cooper, which most people criticised for lacking any usable boot space. The boot’s doors, which swing open automatically when the unlock button is pressed on the key, lend a child-like sense of fun to the Clubman. Both doors boast shock-loaded hinges which make for effortless opening, but mean that closing the doors requires a bit of force.
Another pleasant touch at the rear of the car is the
exhaust system. The Clubman sports a single exhaust exit on each flank of the car as opposed to the central dual exit exhaust found on the regular Cooper S models. The
exhaust note itself is slightly deeper in the Clubman but not particularly notable.
Aesthetically, the front-end of the Clubman is exactly the same as the hatch version. Our test model – equipped with the latest specs – has the added
black brake-cooling ducts on either side of the front bumper. As with all Minis, the Clubman features an endless amount of factory-fitted options. Our test model boasts the optional
alloys,
bonnet stripes and a stylish
panoramic sunroof. The
steptronic transmission with paddle-shift controls are another optional extra that make the Clubman test model distinctive. The Clubman’s interior has also been updated to include
piano black accents as opposed to the previous silver colouring. The modernized interior also enjoys a revised audio system layout, piano black steering inserts and, most importantly,
improved standard audio equipment. The revised audio system is a much-welcomed upgrade as the previous system disappointed drivers with a flat, volume-lacking system that distorted very easily. The new system, although not remarkable, is much more adequate for the large majority of audio fans that comprise Mini’s target market and fan-base.
Interior plastic components are of good quality with the great attention to detail that provides the
original Mini nostalgia. Yes, the massive speedometer is still present in the middle of the fascia, but since it has become a Mini trademark, it’s not offensive in its bold appearance. There have been minimal tweaks to instrument lighting, but not significant enough to deserve mention. Our test Clubman has standard cloth seats which are nothing extravagant, but the seats are comfortable and provide adequate support - even in spirited driving situations. Further, it seems that Mini has addressed the issue of wind-noise from the panoramic roof that plagued previous models.
Wind-noise levels are noticeably lower at speeds above 120km/hour, which is a much needed improvement. Build quality is, as with all BMWs, solid. Doors are “heavy” and require a thud to close, which improves the perceived
quality of the vehicle.
The Nitty Gritty – Driver’s Experience
Now, on to the really important stuff! Is it quick, I hear you ask? Does the automatic gearbox still impress, you plead? The simple answer is: absolutely!
Once you engage the transmission into
Sport (S) mode and step on the throttle, the front wheels battle for traction from 2500 – 4000rpm. There may be the slight hesitation that most auto boxes with a small turbo motor experience, but the Mini Cooper S Clubman quickly overcomes that to become a viably fast
‘robot to robot’ contender, leaving some of its bigger opponents lagging behind.
The
6-speed automatic gearbox is “lazier” than its manual sister, but is still quick enough to provide exciting driving. Torque steer is evident, but is managed well by the standard traction system. Post 2010 spec Mini Cooper S models come standard with
240Nm of torque - which is bumped up automatically by the cars management system to
260Nm under hard acceleration.
Many would assume the Clubman’s longer wheelbase will hinder handling when compared to the hatch Cooper. Unfortunately this is the case, but the handling difference is so subtle that it will only be noticed by die-hard petrol heads that value the subtleties of handling. There does also seem to be increased roll, and the rear of the car can feel somewhat disconnected to the front, but this is very minimal and doesn’t dampen the driving experience or entertainment value at all. This may well be attributed to the softer suspension settings on the Clubman as opposed to the Cooper. Those who felt the Cooper’s ride too hard or stiff may prefer the softer suspension of the Clubman. As with the hatch,
205/45/17 Runflat tyres are standard equipment.
The infamous Van Reenen’s pass certainly proved no match for the Clubmans
handling prowess. Our test model begged for more as we carved through the twists and turns of Van Reenen and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. We saw many surprised motorists raising their eyebrows when they found our little number in their rear-view mirror, nudging to pass through. The auto gearbox does seem to suffer with acceleration at higher speeds when compared to the manual derivative, but this seems to be a small price to pay when considering the comfort of the automatic versus the sportiness of the manual.
The Clubman does seem to
illicit emotion from spectators, inducing the odd stare from a variety of passers-by when parked in public places. Many find the Clubman to be intriguing, and the good news is that the vehicle is exactly that, and delivers exciting results. The charming and exceptional aspect about the Mini is that it manages to keep its
driver entertained and excited after countless voyages behind the wheel. The Clubman is fun, composed and a
contender in the frugality department when driven conservatively – always a bonus in today’s climate. So, if the Cooper was too small for you but you love the fun and flirtation of a Mini, the Clubman is the car for you! Go check out our video featuring the acceleration capabilities of the Mini Cooper S Clubman Auto at our
Youtube channel:
Have a look at all the Minis for sale on MyCars.co.za at: Repossessed Auction Mini