2011 MINI Cooper Clubman Review
Price
RM259,888
Installment
RM2,479/mth
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman at a glance
The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman brings a more supple ride, more room and a suicide door that helps in egress/ingress. But, overall, the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman is still not practical, and the extra weight blunts its handling and performance.
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman quick specs
| Body Style | Estate |
| Class | Small Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
BMW has carried on the MINI Cooper's iconic styling which everyone has come to identify with. The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman looks largely like the Cooper Hatchback, except for a less flattering rear end. The inspired, iconic styling feels more retro and contrived on the longer MINI Clubman. The cabin remains stylish and distinctive.
Handling
The MINI Cooper Hatchback is extremely fun to drive. And the longer-wheelbase MINI Cooper Clubman drives with almost the same enthusiasm, retaining the essence of the Cooper Hatchback's fine road manners. Perhaps due to the extra weight and different centre of gravity, the MINI Cooper Clubman feels less sharp and less grippy. To be sure, however, the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman's agile handling will still bring a smile to your face.
Comfort
With revised suspension, the slightly firm ride of old is now smoother and more supple over ruts. Refinement is good enough for the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman to be used for long-distance cruising. As in the MINI Cooper Hatchback, the driving position is improved, seats are more comfortable, and steering and seating adjustments are aplenty. On the other hand, ergonomics are less ideal, with the climate and audio controls rather difficult to reach and read. Add to that the very poor rear visibility which makes parking harder.
Quality + Reliability
Like for the MINI Cooper Hatchback, the cabin is stylish and well-built. Having a premium image with a price tag to match, the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman, surprisingly, has some cheap-feeling cabin plastics and switchgear, although for the most parts, the material quality is suitably classy. The MINI brand has always performed well in JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, and the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman can be expected to be reliable.
Performance
The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman's 1.6-litre engine produces 118 bhp at 6000 rpm, and the Cooper Clubman S's turbocharged 1.6-litre engine produces 173 bhp at 5500 rpm. Both engines are smooth in delivery and keen-to-rev. The Cooper Clubman is still fast despite the extra weight. And the Cooper Clubman S with the extra power drives much like a large hot-hatch. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard for either variant.
Roominess
Front room is in abundance, and the rear knee-room is boosted by 80 mm. But the rear can take no more than two, meaning the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman is still a four-seater. Boot space is also increased from 160 litres to 260 litres. Practicality, however, became poorer. The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman loses the tailgate, instead having two doors at the back. The suicide door, or Clubdoor, resides on the right of the car, meaning rear passengers alight into the traffic. But at least it facilitates ingress and egress well.
Running Costs
The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman and Clubman S have impressive fuel economy, returning 18.2 km/litre and 15.9 km/litre respectively. Servicing costs are not quite as high as for other premium brands, and should be affordable for a MINI owner. MINI models hold their values in outstanding fashion, and the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman should too.
Value for Money
If the MINI Copper Hatchback is worth the money, then adding tens of thousand ringgit for the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman is hard to justify. Yes, the MINI Cooper Clubman brings a more supple ride, more rear room, bigger boot space and a suicide door that helps in egress/ingress. But, overall, the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman is still not spacious nor practical, and the extra weight blunts the handling and performance. Not to mention the contrived styling and poor rear visibility. All these for more money?
Equipment
The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman and Clubman S get as standard automatic air-conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors, alloy wheels, remote central locking and alarm. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
Environment
The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman and Clubman S emit 132 g/km and 150 g/km respectively. These carbon dioxide emissions figures, when considered alongside the fuel consumption, are highly impressive relative to the engine output. BMW has replaced the old, inefficient MINI engines with new, environmentally-aware units.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Still good performance and handling
More rear room and boot space
Impressive running costs
Poor rear visibility
Suicide door on the wrong side
Not much more practical
