1 Nov 2015
MINI launched the second-gen Clubman (F54) in late 2015, offering two models initially – a Cooper and Cooper S.
Weighing in between 1300kg and 1395kg, the Cooper employs the F56/5 Hatch’s 110kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, while the S ups the ante with a 141kW/280Nm 2.0-litre four-pot turbo-petrol unit, usurping the standard six-speed auto for an eight-speed item.
Sitting on the same UKL transverse front-drive architecture as the other most recent Minis as well as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and recently released X1 medium SUV, the Clubman shares the latter’s 2670mm wheelbase, making it 100mm longer than the Hatch, as well as the biggest Mini ever.
Steering is electric rack and pinion, the front end consists of MacPherson struts, and the rear employs a multi-link arrangement.
This is a six-door wagon – two on each side, and a pair of ‘barn’ split doors at the back, with available touchless operation and a wiper apiece.
The interior sits five people, while items like an electric park brake, Low Speed Forward Collision Warning, and a rear camera are fresh to the series. A host of driver-aid technologies such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are available, as is a head-up display, automatic parking, and a high-beam assist function.
Finally, luggage capacity is rated between 360 litres and 1250 litres, with the rear barn doors opening wider than before for easier access.
