Used 2017 MINI Clubman

The Mini Cooper Clubman notches above the standard Hardtop in both size and price, with an interior that has more space for passengers and cargo. Revamped last year, the 2017 Clubman lineup expands with all-wheel-drive (AWD) availability on both standard and sportier S models, plus an all-new performance-oriented John Cooper Works variant. Like Clubman models before it, the latest version retains its signature swing-out rear doors instead of an upward-rising liftgate. In every other way this little British car has evolved, especially in technology, creature comforts and overall refinement. Like all Minis, the 2017 Clubman is fun to drive and makes a statement wherever it goes, but its premium appeal comes with an associated price, especially as you climb trims or add options.

Minis are known for being youthful and fun, but "youthful" was just a nice way of saying noisy, unrefined, and stiff-riding round town. We were pleased to find the latest Mini Clubman is still fun and engaging, but without those downsides. It’s quiet, with little wind noise at speed, and even the engine growl at full throttle is nicely subdued. Refinement, such as comfort and interior materials, reflects the brand’s premium status. The Clubman’s longer wheelbase helps contribute to a surprisingly smooth highway ride. Mini’s standard manual transmission remains a delight, and the optional automatic is smooth and refined. The standard 3-cylinder Clubman has adequate acceleration, while the Cooper S Clubman with its turbocharged 4-cylinder is downright quick. If you opt for all-wheel drive, we suggest stepping up to an S model. With the standard 3-cylinder powering all four wheels, acceleration is leisurely, taking over nine seconds to reach 60 mph.

The latest Mini Clubman is roomier than its predecessor. You have elbow room between you and your seatmate, the rear can seat three, and there’s plenty of cargo space — 17.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, which opens to nearly 48 cubic feet with seats folded. Soft-touch surfaces, premium switchgear and a quieter cabin help the interior feel refined. The touch/rotary controller below the center-mounted display is trickle-down electronics from Mini’s BMW parent. Though the Clubman ostensibly seats five, rear passengers will want trips to be as short as possible due to the lump in the middle of the bottom cushion.

Even with the introduction of the longer, 4-door Hardtop, the Clubman looks like nothing else in the Mini lineup. At over 168 inches in length, it has nearly a foot on the 4-door Hardtop, though by most standards is still a small car. The Clubman is distinguished by a pair of rear doors that swing out, barn-door style. Thankfully, Mini ditched the awkward rear-hinged door on the passenger side for four proper doors all around. The spicier S model sports dual exhaust pipes, while the JCW Clubman has unique front and rear fascias and a racy red stripe across the front grille.

POWER REAR DOORS
You’ve been able to get a power hatch on wagons, SUVs and minivans for years now. But this is the first time we’ve seen power-swing-out doors, and not only are they handy, they’re just cool to watch. Even more impressive, they can open automatically with a mere motion of your foot.

INDIVIDUALITY AND COMMUNITY
Mini has a long and proud history of bucking the system, and it’s no wonder these spunky cars attract like-minded owners. After customizing the Clubman to your tastes, you’ll be part of a jovial community that regularly gathers for events like Mini Takes the States.

The least expensive Mini Clubman includes Leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a 6-speed manual transmission, and an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch color display, app support, Bluetooth audio streaming, and voice control. There’s keyless ignition, and Eco, Sport and Normal driving modes. The standard "Excitement Package" lets you switch interior lighting colors to set the mood. In addition to the more powerful engine, the Cooper S Clubman gets sport seats, bigger wheels and tires, fog lights, chrome exhaust tips, a special Cooper S front-end treatment, and black Leatherette seats. The top-line Clubman JCW comes has the most powerful engine and performance bits.

Along with trim — and by default power output — a major choice for your Clubman will be front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the latter of which is standard on JCW models. From there, you’ve got about 10 million ways to make this Mini your own. Yes, Mini touts that number as the amount of ways to customize your Clubman, from bonnet stripes and LED fog lights to navigation system, harman/kardon premium audio, a head-up display and dual-pane sunroof. Easier to choose is the transmission: An automatic is available on all trims.

The 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman now comes in three flavors: base, S and JCW models. Standard models get a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, connected to either a slick-shifting 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Opt for the Cooper S Clubman, and you’ll get the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. This puts out 189 horsepower, routed either through the 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. At the top end, the new JCW Clubman also uses a 2.0-liter turbo-4, but it’s been tuned to make 228 horsepower. With a 0-60-mph time of six seconds flat, it’s the fastest of the bunch. Note that all engines require premium fuel. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on base and S models, and standard on the JCW.

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 (Cooper)
134 horsepower @ 4,400 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 mpg (manual, FWD), 25/33 mpg (automatic, FWD), 22/32 mpg (manual, AWD), 22/29 mpg (automatic, AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Cooper S)
189 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg (manual, FWD), 23/33 mpg (automatic, FWD), 21/30 mpg (manual, AWD), 22/31 mpg (automatic, AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (John Cooper Works)
228 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 mpg (manual), 23/31 mpg (automatic)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.