It's been nearly two years since Mini->ke57 unveiled the new-generation 2014 Mini Cooper, which brought many design and drivetrain changes to Britain's iconic nameplate. Having already introduced a four-door version of the hatch->ke304 and a revamped 2015 Mini Countryman, Mini has now launched an updated version of the Clubman.->ke2526

As expected, the new wagon->ke143 borrows heavily from the hatch as far as styling goes, but with major changes at the rear, the area that makes the Clubman a Clubman. Also, the new-generation car is significantly larger than its predecessor, confirming yet again that Mini has repositioned the Cooper->ke629 in a niche of its own.

Surprisingly enough, the brand selected the Clubman as the first Mini to use an eight-speed automatic transmission borrowed from BMWs->ke178 using the same UKL platform. However, it's not yet available on all trim levels of the Clubman and it remains to be seen in which versions of the Cooper it will become available in the future.

The updated wagon will go on sale later this year for the 2016 model year.

Updated 09/25/2015: Mini announced prices for the all-new Clubman which will go on sale in January 2016. Prices will start from $24,100 for the Cooper model and from $27,650 for the Cooper S version.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman.

mini-clubman

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: mini-clubman
Pros
Cons

2016 Mini Clubman

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Mini Clubman
  • Engine/Motor: inline-3
  • Horsepower: 134 @ 4400
  • Torque: 162 @ 1250
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior styling of the 2016 Clubman is based on that of the new-generation Cooper, introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year. It's still recognizable as a Clubman, but features a wide range of improvements, starting with the larger headlamps, the one-piece, chrome-frame grille, and a smoother apron with bigger fog lamps. Around back, the 2016 Clubman is significantly different than its predecessor, looking sportier and less utilitarian. Although it retained its trademark barn-style doors, the new Clubman received a pair of massive taillights and exhaust pipes integrated into the bumper. What's more, the taillights are now horizontal, making the rear fascia seem flatter and wider.

Speaking of dimensions, the 2016 Clubman is significantly larger than its forerunner. In fact, it's the largest Mini ever built. And even though this contradicts Mini's original purpose for this car, a lot of customers will probably find it more practical and versatile. And it should be, because it's huge compared to its predecessor.

Specifically, it's 12.4 inches longer, 4.6 inches wider, and 0.6 inch taller. Likewise, the wheelbase has been increased by 4.8 inches. A comparison with the standard Cooper Hardtop 4 Door reveals that the Clubman is 10.9 inches longer, 2.9 inches wider, and its wheelbase is 4 inches longer. As a statement as to how much Minis have grown in size recently, the Clubman is also longer and wider than the Countryman. Seriously Mini, you should start thinking about building a car that's actually a mini...

New dimensions aside, the 2016 Clubman also received four conventional doors, ditching the single, reverse-hinged opening on the passenger side.

As usual, the base and S models are set apart by various body features, with the S to showcase sportier bumpers and side skirts, as well as the mandatory "S" badges. Mini will also offer a wide range of customization options, including custom paints, liveries and a ton of accessories to be announced later this year.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

168.3 Inches

Width

70.9 Inches

Width incl mirrors

79.6 Inches

Height

56.7 Inches

Wheelbase

105.1 Inches


Interior

Unlike the exterior, the interior is rather different than the Cooper Hardtop's. Although both the instrument panel and the steering wheel are nearly identical, the dashboard features many design cues not available on the standard Cooper.

The A/C vents are rectangular rather than round, while the center stack is no longer integrated into the dashboard. The center console is brand-new, wider, and sits higher than on the hardtop model. Notable differences can be spotted on the door panels too, which feature larger storage compartments in the lower areas.

What's more important here is that the Clubman's increased size allows it to offer enhanced shoulder and legroom, as well as significantly more storage room. The luggage compartment now has a capacity of 17.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and up to 47.9 cubic feet with them folded flat.

Interior Dimensions

Legroom front

41.4 Inches

Legroom 2nd row

34.3 Inches

Shoulder room front

54.7 Inches

Shoulder room rear

52.8 Inches

Headroom front

40.2 Inches

Headroom front with Sunroof

39 Inches

Max. headroom 2nd row

38 Inches


Drivetrain

The new Clubman receives two engines at launch. The base model uses a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder unit rated at 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet. That's quite impressive for a three-pot and a 13-horsepower improvement over the previous 1.6-liter four-banger in the entry-level model. Hitting 60 mph in this version takes 8.9 seconds, while top speed sits at 127 mph.

Granted, the base Clubman is no rocket, but it should come with many advantages in the fuel economy department. The previous model returned 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, so this new engine should bring a slight improvement to these numbers. We will have to wait for Mini to publish some estimates to find out more about that though.

Moving over to the Clubman S, Mini replaced the previous 1.6-liter four-pot with a 2.0-liter unit. This one cranks out 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, which accounts for an eight-horsepower improvement over the previous model. The Clubman S is a lot quicker from 0 to 60 mph, needing just 6.9 ticks to hit the benchmark. It's two full seconds faster than the base model and slightly quicker than its predecessor. As far as top speed goes, the Clubman S can take you up to 142 mph.

The even bigger news here is that the 2016 Clubman is the first Mini to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new gearbox, however, is only available with the Clubman S' four-cylinder engine. Mini also offers a sportier version of the same transmission with a launch control function and shorter shift times.

The 1.5-liter three-cylinder mates to either a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed Steptronic. The Steptronic is also part of Mini's latest generation of automatics, with increased efficiency and optimized shift dynamics for a sportier experience.

Drivetrain Specifications

Model

Clubman Cooper

Clubman Cooper S

Engine Type

Inline 3-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology, turbocharged and direct injected

Inline 4-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology, turbocharged and direct injected

Displacement

1499 cm³

1998 cm³

Engine power

134 HP @ 4,400 RPM

189 HP @ 5,000 RPM

Engine torque

162 LB-FT @ 1,250 RPM

207 LB-FT @ 1,250 RPM

0-60 mph

8.9 seconds

6.9 seconds

Top speed

127 MPH

142 MPH


Prices

Model

Price

Mini Clubman Cooper

$24,100

Mini Clubman Cooper S

$27,650


Note: All prices exclude the $850 Destination & Handling fee.

Competition

2014 Fiat 500L

Though usually cross-shopped with the Mini Countryman,->ke3615 the Fiat 500L is also one of the best options the market has to offer to the wagon-style Clubman. Sure, it's no match for the Clubman's cargo room, but the 500L ticks almost all the boxes the Mini does. Also based on a small hatch (the 500), the 500L is recognizable by its crossoverish looks, four doors, and enhanced roominess. It's also stylish and youthful and aimed at the same crowd as Mini's products.

Motivating the 500L is a turbocharged, 1.4-liter MultiAir, four-cylinder unit that delivers 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and mates to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Unfortunately, that's the only drivetrain you can get in the U.S. and Fiat has no plans to offer a more potent engine that would match Mini's performance-oriented S models. Priced from $19,100, the 500L is significantly more affordable than the upcoming Clubman, a feature most customers are likely to consider.

Find out more about it in our review here.

2016 Scion iM

Well, it's by no means a wagon and it's far from being a fancy ride, but the lack of proper wagons in the U.S. makes it a worthy choice if you don't need that much cargo room. It's got a fresh, youthful design and it's based on a hatchback otherwise not available in the U.S.: the 2015 Toyota Auris. Its swanky 17-inch alloy wheels, flashy exterior colors, and impressive number of standard features also make it an attractive option, even to those accustomed to Mini Coopers.

Unfortunately, it's 1.8-liter four-banger is less impressive at 137 horsepower, although those interested in getting as many miles as they can from a tank will find it interesting to know it can achieve up to 37 mpg on the highway. The iM is expected to start under $20,000, putting it into Fiat 500L territory.

Learn more about this Japanese hatchback here.

Conclusion

Having already seen the latest-generation Mini Cooper and the 2014 Mini Clubman Concept a couple of years ago, the production model is far from surprising inside and out. Sure, I had hopes that Mini would retains some of the concept's fancy interior, but in the end, it was more likely that the friendlier designs and materials prevail. What's shocking about the new Clubman is its new size. This thing is huge! It's true that I did see it coming as soon as Mini unveiled the standard Cooper, but if this thing continues to grow, it might well compete with the Cadillac Escalade->ke245 in a decade.

Rants aside, it looks pretty good except the crazy taillight pattern around back and it's one of the very, very few wagons we can actually buy in the U.S. This fact alone makes it awesome.

Updated History

Updated 09/22/2015: We’ve added a series of new photos we took at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Find them in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 06/24/2015: Mini unveiled the new generation Clubman, a model that grew in size and received a new face, a new engine lineup, and new transmission.

Spy shots

January 28, 2015 - Mini Clubman shows its real rear lights

January 6, 2015 - Mini Clubman spied inside and out

April 8, 2014 - First testing at Nurbrugring

January 20, 2014 - First winter testing

The prototype that our spy photographers caught today today is wearing lots of camouflage, which is a clear indication that it's design is nearly finalized, but there still may be a few months until the new Clubman hits the market.

Still, is not very difficult to imagine what the next Cluman will look like. All you have to do is take the old model and add the elements launched in the standard Cooper version, and there you have it.

These new elements include a revised grille with a smooth, one-piece chrome frame, new headlights and new taillights revised chrome elements.