MINI Clubman review (2015-2024)

Tech and features

A MINI Clubman is a seamless blend of traditional and new – the style is unashamedly retro-overlaid with the latest in automotive technology. 

There’s a huge central display reminiscent of the speedometer in the original MINI.

Here, it houses the display for the infotainment set-up, which is a version of BMW’s iDrive system that’s controlled by a small dial and buttons down by the gear lever. 

There are also numerous toggle switches dotted around, and an air-conditioning system controlled through traditional dials. 

All models feature sat-nav, DAB radio, rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, and cruise control, which is pretty good. 

Everything you sit on, touch or interact with has a truly classy feel.

The buttons and levers all operate with slick precision, and the seats feel supportive and well-made.

The top of the dashboard and door trims also feel sumptuous and the whole interior ambience is enhanced by the multi-colour mood lighting around that huge central display screen. 

Yes, there are cars that feel as classy as the MINI, such as the Audi A3 Sportback or even the Volkswagen Golf.

It’s fair to say that the Clubman has both of these licked in the style stakes. 

Handling and ride comfort

Have you ever been karting? If you have, you’ll have some idea of what a MINI Clubman feels like to drive. 

It really does change direction with speed which a cartoon character would find impressive, and it gives you a great idea of what’s going on through the steering.  

Engines and power

The 1.5-litre petrol engine in the Cooper model is sparkly and you can make the most of its revvy nature by using the quick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox. 

If you like your driving enjoyment to have a side helping of economy, the 2.0-litre Cooper D version is strong and doesn’t drink much in the way of diesel. 

If you like a bit more punch, the rapid Cooper S model or the full-on firecracker JCW version will cover the 0-60mph dash quickly. 

The word ‘mini’ may not automatically be associated in your mind with ‘practicality’.

Storage solutions

You’d be surprised because the Clubman is roomy.

There’s a whole load of space up front for the driver and passenger, and space behind them is fair for a couple of adults.

Just make sure you’re fairly nimble because the Clubman is quite low to get in and out of. 

Cabin storage is also fair, with decent-sized door pockets and a smattering of small cubbies around the interior. 

Boot space

The fact that the Clubman has a pair of rear doors instead of a tailgate compromises access only slightly.

Anyway, there’s no load lip to speak of, and the rear seats fold down flat at the tug of a lever, so practicality is genuinely decent. 

The rear doors also make loading smaller items pretty easy as you can just tug open one door instead of having to lift a full tailgate. 

Fuel economy

If you go for the 1.5-litre engine, it’ll bring a blend of fun and thriftiness, with an average economy figure of around 44mpg in the real world. 

If cheap running costs are top of your list, the 2.0-litre diesel has an official economy figure of 64mpg. 

Insurance groups

The Clubman is a reasonable car to insure with groupings starting from 15. 

If you want the top JCW model, you’ll find it in group 40.