Join the club, man 

The 2017 MINI Clubman is the largest and most sophisticated MINI ever built. It ushers in a new era of driving with a comfortable interior that seats five, iconic split rear doors that open with a foot-activated sensor, and a top-of-the-line interior decked out with premium materials and cutting-edge technology.

Performance

Like the third-generation MINI Cooper Hardtop and Hardtop 4-Door before it, the Clubman is offered in two flavors: Cooper and Cooper S. Both distill the engineering expertise of parent BMW into a fun package with MINI’s signature “go-kart handling.”

The MINI Cooper Clubman features a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Both Clubman models are front-wheel drive, and the Cooper is offered with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. With either transmission, the Cooper Clubman will do 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 127 mph.

Upgrading to the Cooper S Clubman nets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The larger engine produces 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque and is offered with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The Cooper S will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds with the automatic (add 0.1 seconds for the manual) and tops out at 142 mph.

Filling up at the pump isn't fun, which is why the Clubman boasts an EPA fuel economy of 28 mpg combined for both transmissions with the city/highway figures differing slightly (25/35 manual/ 25/34 automatic).* Meanwhile, the Cooper S returns an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg combined (24/34) with the automatic and 26 (22/32) with the manual.* 

Features 

The 2017 MINI Clubman is a six-door, five-seat wagon. It’s available in the aforementioned Cooper and Cooper S trim levels, and priced starting at $24,100.** As with all MINI models, there are also plenty of accessories and options for personalization, meaning your Clubman doesn’t have to be like anyone else’s.

Standard features on the Cooper include 16-inch alloy wheels, a sport leather steering wheel, automatic headlights, ambient lighting, and more. The Cooper S adds 17-inch wheels, sport seats, a Performance Control system, and other features. Notable options include a multifunction steering wheel, fog lights, and the MINI Connected infotainment system.

In addition, option packages include John Cooper Works interior and exterior groups, which add some sporty styling to the cabin and exterior. There’s also a Cold Weather Package (auto-dimming mirrors, heated seats), Premium Package (keyless entry, panoramic moonroof, harman/kardon® premium sound system), Sport Package (Dynamic Damper Control, 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting), and Technology Package (rearview camera, park assist, navigation).

Because the Clubman is a MINI, there are also myriad personalization options, including multiple wheel designs, graphics such as racing stripes, contrasting mirror caps, interior trim options, and a genuine exterior color palette.

Design

The 2017 MINI Clubman has plenty of retro charm thanks to the brand's now-familiar design language, which is inspired by the original MINI models of the 1960s. The familiar face includes a large, chrome-accented grille and round headlights. Optional fog lights and full LED front lighting add a modern touch.

But what distinguishes the Clubman from the other MINI models? While the previous-generation Clubman was an elongated hatchback with rear “suicide" doors, the 2017 Clubman takes on a more conventional configuration with four full-size side doors. If that makes it sound a lot like the existing MINI Hardtop 4-Door, consider that the Clubman is 10.9 inches longer and 2.9 inches wider.

That makes the Clubman a bona fide station wagon, which is a rare commodity in showrooms these days. The 2017 Clubman also retains the generation's van-like split rear "barn" doors in place of a rear hatch. They make access to the cargo area a lot easier, especially in low-ceilinged garages. The Clubman boasts a useful 17.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats up and 47.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

On the inside, the Clubman features the whimsical style of previous generations but adds a dose of practicality as well. There’s now a conventional gauge cluster, with the large central disc that previously housed gauges now used for infotainment functions. Reflecting the MINI’s sporty character are a three-spoke steering wheel and some cool-looking rocker switches on the center console.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 MINI Clubman includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full complement of airbags. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, and a parking assist system.

Verdict

If you're a fan of MINI, and we're going to wager you are, then you'll love the Clubman. It offers everything you'd find in the more traditional Cooper model but with the added benefit of more space and premium features. 

Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 for more information about the 2017 MINI Clubman.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Use for comparison purposes only. 

**Model year 2017 MSRP does not include destination and handling charge of $850 and excludes license, registration, taxes and options and labor to install. Certain features may be optional. Actual price determined by your authorized MINI dealer.

Image Credit: MINI