MINI Clubman (07 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 21 April 2009
The MINI Clubman is a more practical alternative to the standard hatchback. It's longer and offers more legroom for rear passengers along with extra boot space. It also packs some neat design touches including spilt rear doors, a dual-level boot floor and a single ‘clubman’ side door for easier access into the rear seats. But despite the extra space this is not an ideal family car – the rear is cramped and luggage room is still limited. However, it retains the exciting and engaging driving nature of the standard MINI - so it's a shame that it also shares the same miserly standard equipment tally. Alternative estates may be bigger, however for those that want a MINI but are put off by its limited practicality - the Clubman makes great sense.
4 out of 5

Other MINI reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

MINI’s tlc package is possibly the best servicing deal around and partly makes up for the high list prices. It takes care of all servicing costs in terms of labour and parts for a fixed cost up front (around £185). The standard package covers five years and 50,000 miles, with the option of the tlc xl package (at £370) for a further three years and 30,000 miles. The tlc package has proved extremely cost effective so the vast majority of new MINI buyers purchase it and it is transferable if the car is sold.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,180 - £1,574 *

Diesel

£890 - £1,209 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

10,000 miles then 15,000 miles on One. Variable on Cooper and Cooper S models.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£20.00 - £195.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

4 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
    103
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
    168
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

As part of BMW, MINI uses the same Efficient Dynamics technology to save fuel and lower emissions. It's rebranded as MINIMALISM, but is basically the same with features such as an auto start/stop function - which cuts the engine in stationary traffic and automatically restarts it when needed - and a system that uses the energy from braking to charge the battery. As a result the Cooper D averages an incredible 69mpg and emits 109g/km of CO2 meaning road tax is cheap. Meanwhile the One is capable of 52mpg and has a CO2 output of 130g/km.

Find the exact engine and CO2