Mini rips covers off updated Clubman

MINI has unveiled the facelifted version of its Clubman wagon, which comprises updates to styling and specification ahead of an Australian arrival in the fourth quarter of this year.

 

Australian examples will retain the same line-up with Cooper and Cooper S variants to touch down initially, followed by the hi-po JCW range-topper at a later date.

 

The local line-up will forego the entry-level One grade, as well as diesel powertrains.

 

Having first gone in sale in current-generation guise in late 2015, the facelift brings only minor changes to the six-door wagon, starting with lightly refreshed styling.

 

The signature circular style remains with the surrounds finished in chrome or piano black as an option, while the redesigned hexagonal radiator grille now stretches across the width of the bumper with the air inlet segmented into six parts.

 

Cooper S variants also score the hexagonal grid pattern on the air inlet instead of horizontal struts on the Cooper.

 

The headlight design has been subtly changed with an enlarged reflector and black shield for versions equipped with halogen lamps, while those with LED lights feature modules for high and low beam, as well as a shield finished in black.

 

A new option for the Clubman range is Mini’s adaptive LED headlights with matrix function, which can add extra lateral light spread in urban conditions and when visibility is low, while on motorways the range of the high beam is increased.

 

The adaptive nature of the matrix lights also allows for the lighting to be dipped when other drivers are on the road, with the Clubman’s camera identifying when other road users are present and switching that area of space to low beam as required.

 

LED tail-lights are now included as standard, while the Union Jack tail-light design is available as an option. LED foglights are also optionally available.

 

Three new exterior paint finishes are now available consisting of Indian Summer Red metallic, British Racing Green metallic and Enigmatic Black metallic, while the roof and exterior mirror caps can be finished in black, white or silver. 

 

On the Cooper S, buyers can option piano black highlights on the headlight surrounds, rear lights and radiator grille.

 

A new range of light-alloy wheels are available ranging from 16 to 19 inches depending on the variant, while a new option allows buyers to equip a sports suspension set-up that lowers ride height by 10mm.

 

The new Clubman is fitted with a 4G-compatible sim, allowing for the use of Mini’s suite of Connected services, real-time traffic information and the Mini Concierge service.

 

Mini’s Original Accessories range has been also expanded to include side scuttle inserts, exterior mirror caps and Night Jack roof finish.

 

No changes have been made to the Clubman’s powertrains, which for Australia include a 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder for the Cooper and a 141kW/280Nm 2.0-litre four-pot for the Cooper S, both mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

 

In 2018, Mini managed 430 sales of the Clubman, down 5.1 per cent on the 453 it managed in 2017.

 

Through the first quarter of 2019 it has recorded 80 new registrations, down 25.2 per cent on the 107 sold to the same point last year.

 

More local details on the Clubman range will be made available closer to its launch in the last quarter.

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