MINI Clubman

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I'd like to begin by saying I own a MINI. I'm quite partial to the brand, and in the two years that I have owned it, I have never regretted my purchase.

The MINI brand is sold on happiness. This joy is derived from the cars "go cart" driving experience. All MINI products promise a fun daily driving experience, whether it's from their entry-level MINI ONE hatch to a wheel-spinning JCW (John Copper Works).

The MINI Clubman is the newest member of the family. As with Disney, owners are promised a character. The Clubman is a five-door family sports wagon. It is bigger than you'd expect from a MINI albeit compact by wagon standards but not mini in size. The Clubman is arguably one of the best-looking MINIs available in the current range, taking a second princess sash to the best looker, in my option of course, to the three-door hatch.

Traditionally sports wagons don't sell well in South Africa. The reason frustrates me. South Africans consider SUVs to be the obvious choice. Their taller road presence appeals to the customers’ ego rather than their sense. But thank heavens for the hipster. This alternative species goes against the grain on a quest to stand out. Although unknowingly, only to fit in with his other alternative friends. It is these marvelous fringe dwellers who will buy and love the Clubman. They know something that the rest of us ought to - the Clubman is better than an SUV/crossover.

Built off a new chassis, the Clubman is light, sharp and full of character. Corners are its friend and like a puppy would play with a ball, so too does the Clubman with corners - effortlessly. More than a playful ride that borders on athletic, the Clubman is super refined too. Bumps, potholes and uneven tarmac are quietly press, leaving driver and passenger excluded for unnecessary jarring. As with all MINIs, the steering is precise - move it slightly left or right and the Clubman does more than a slight turn. It's eager and ready to respond to driver input; delivering that youthful go cart exhilaration with light input from the driver.

The Clubman is currently available in South Africa with two engines and two gearboxes choices. The entry-level Cooper model is driven by what is arguably the best 3-cylinder turbocharged motor on the market. It's peppery sounding 1.5l motor is good for 100 kW and 230 N.m - technical numbers for, enough power and a 0 to 100km/h in 9 seconds. This engine is badged the Cooper while the Cooper S features a 2.0l 4-cylinder motor. The bigger engine offers 141 kW and 300 N.m - technical numbers again, this time for, plenty of power and hitting 100km/h in 7.5 seconds. Both cars can be had in either a fantastic manual or automatic gearbox. All six speed with the exception of the Cooper S auto, which is driven by eight gears.

Although an estate, I feel the Clubman is better compared with cars of a similar price and size than directly another estate, which there aren't by the way. So, it is with this argument that it calls out to the inner hipster in us all. Forget the Qashqai, Kuga and RAV4. Be cool - and like MINI says, #GoWithYourGut because the Clubman offers similar space, practically and versatility in a better driving package than the above-mentioned SUVs.

When considering spending upward of R360 000; you get a car that keeps you young and reminds you that life is to be enjoyed. All this while carting five adults and two dozen crates of cold brew coffee and artisanal beer around. Sounds fabulous to me.

I suppose you can hear; I like this car? Well, I do. In fact, I'd buy one. It's not cheap; so with that in mind, I'd happily save R80 000 and opt for the Cooper Auto model, which is reasonably priced. Be careful - MINIs are highly customisable - this can increase their price tag dramatically. Keep things simple as the standard equipment levels are pretty good; only opting for one or two things. One of which I'd select would be the optional Harman Kardon sound system. It is sublime.