In 2008, the Clubman was the first car to start Mini on the road of not-so-small Minis. Still not a huge vehicle, the Clubman nevertheless gave Mini a car that provided customers more room and a slightly larger footprint. The new 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman All4 carries that expanded physique to the next level, and adds the surefootedness that comes with Mini's All4 all-wheel-drive capability.
We also know how much the new Clubman All4 will cost. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) will be $25,900 plus $850 destination and handling for the Mini Cooper Clubman All4, and for the Mini Cooper S Clubman All4, buyers will see the MSRP at $29,450 plus the $850 destination and handling fee.
Mini is presenting the new Clubman All4 as the new standard setter in the premium compact class. When the normal fun factor of driving a Mini is combined with greater room, more versatility, longer range, and the security of all-wheel drive, the Mini Clubman All4 might be just the ticket for the individual or small family looking for a BMW Group product at a non-BMW price.
Mini’s All4 system uses a power takeoff bevel gear on the front axle differential, a dual-section propeller shaft, and a rear axle differential with an electrohydraulically controlled hang-on clutch. All4’s control system interconnects with Dynamic Stability Control, enabling equal and precise distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear wheels according to the road situation at the time. All4 helps not only in lousy weather, but in spirited driving on good roads as well.
The 2016 Mini Clubman All4 is powered by a three- or four-cylinder Mini TwinPower turbocharged engine coupled to a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. The Mini Cooper Clubman All4 gets the 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that will push it from zero to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. More performance-minded Mini enthusiasts might prefer the Mini Cooper S Clubman All4 that comes with the 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque two-liter four banger. Zero to 60 mph in the Cooper S Clubman All4 takes just 6.6 seconds.
Fuel mileage is expected to reach 25 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
Mini calls the new Clubman a six-door, with four on the sides and a split door at the rear. The Clubman comes with five seats and 17.5 cubic feet of luggage space that can expand to 47.9 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats.
The new Clubman has all of the connectivity and infotainment that Mini can muster, along with a 6.5-inch display and support for third-party app integration. Options include a head-up display, Driving Assistant, rear-view camera, Parking Assistant, Comfort Access, LED headlights, electric front seats, a panorama glass roof, Navigation System Professional, and more.
The Mini Clubman All4 will be in U.S. Mini dealer showrooms in April. Customers may start “building their own” Clubman All4 using the MiniUSA.com configurator within the next week or so.
All-wheel drive is trending. Bigger Minis are also trending. That makes a bigger Mini with all-wheel drive no surprise at all.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
