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What began in 1969 as an iconic and totally unique estate vehicle, with its split rear doors, has transcend time and evolved into modernist classic. 

A vehicle that combines practicality with everything MINI - character, charm and dollops of fun. That is the MINI Clubman. 

The fun factor is driven by a sporty chassis, the engine options and slick gearboxes. The line-up begins with the Cooper - 100 kW, 0 - 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and top speed: 205km/h. Fuel consumption combined: 5.4-litres/100 km. Next in the line-up, and the sweet spot from my perspective, Cooper S - 141 kW, 0 - 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and top speed: 228km/h. Fuel consumption combined: 5.6-litres/100 km. The halo model is the MINI John Cooper works - 225kW, 0 - 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, top speed: 250km/h. Fuel consumption combined: 7.0-litres/100 km. 

Being a MINI, there is a promise made - you will fall in love with every inch of the car. Like an onion, the Clubman may make you cry, but it will not be tears of angst, rather of giggles and joy. Like an onion, the Clubman’s character it is layered. There is so much charm in all the details, each of which present themselves through time and investigation. These are both aesthetic design features, electronic innovations and driving dynamics. 

The updated 2020 model features a distinctive front look and feel with newly designed radiator grille. There are fancy LED headlights with Matrix function for the high beam automation and optimised visibility. The lights also feature a new Piano Black surround finish that looks like eyeliner around the “eye”. This accentuates the Clubman’s front on appearance. There are new LED fog lamps with driving light ring, LED rear lights as standard, optionally in Union Jack design (I love this feature). 

As part of the range update come new body colours, new option Piano Black exterior as mentioned above and new light-alloy wheels. 

Being a MINI, driving dynamics are paramount, so to enhance the already fantastic handling of the MINI Clubman there is sports suspension enhancements with the vehicle lowered by ten millimetres. On the inside there is a large host of options to customize the vehicle just the way you want. With that said, there are a new range of leather trims and interior surfaces. 

In a world of characterless crossovers made like lifeless machines, an appliance really, that do their job - some even well, there is something missing. For those who enjoy driving, who connect to their cars in a personified fashion; vehicles like MINI’s Clubman bring personality, in combination with the practicality required for families or those who need more space than a conventional MINI. 

The pricing 

MINI Cooper Clubman R491 000

MINI Cooper S Clubman R578 000

MINI John Cooper Works R724 000

Service and warranty 

All new MINIs sold in South Africa include a Motorplan maintenance contract of either 3 years/75 000 kms for the MINI One or 5 years/100 000 kms for all other models. This covers all service, maintenance and repairs resulting from normal wear and tear, excluding tyres and fuel. As with any maintenance agreement, there are certain exceptions which are clearly specified in the Motorplan agreement. Repairs resulting from negligence or accident damage are not covered. For all MINI models the contract distance can be extended up to 200 000 km, dependent on individual needs.

www.mini.co.za