Compact autos are a typical sight on the American highway, however design clever, they’re hardly ever very distinctive even because the variety of small crossover autos has steadily proliferated.
One exception to the rule, nonetheless, is the Mini and the household of autos it has spawned such because the Mini Cooper S Clubman, which is particularly designed to each sportier and extra sensible than among the different members of a now legendary tribe.
Overview
The 2023 Mini Cooper S Clubman comes full with a turbocharged engine, Dutch doorways and a useable rear seat and all-wheel drive. It additionally has a well-tuned chassis, up-to-date connectivity and options akin to satellite tv for pc radio and a premium sound system, a middle stack contact display screen, and driver-assistance know-how, which turns out to be useful in heavy visitors and ambient lighting in addition to heated seats.
Let’s not overlook, it’s a Mini so it’s additionally enjoyable to drive.
Exterior
The Mini Cooper S was spawned by one of the vital profitable “retro” designs to ever come out of the auto trade’s design studios within the late twentieth Century. The “new” Mini is an artfully up to date model of the well-known Mini from the Fifties — one of many icons of the British vehicle trade earlier than it handed into historical past.
It encompasses a cleverly rounded entrance and clear sheet steel throughout. The Clubman additionally options Dutch doorways on the again somewhat than the usual hatch and Cooper has up to date the grille to make it look extra up to date, whereas protecting the round headlamps. The outside of the automobile I drove was dressed up with a John Cooper aero package.
Inside
The inside of any Mini is dominated by the round heart stack show, which has been the signature characteristic of the up to date model. The round mild ring across the heart stack show has been modernized with a touchscreen characteristic for each the leisure and navigation capabilities on this model of the Mini.
The inside additionally encompasses a mix of textures and supplies together with leather-based seating surfaces within the automobile I drove, giving the cabin a nice atmosphere. Mini was one of many pioneers in using ambient lighting and the designers of the 2023 Clubman keep it up the custom. The shift lever stays between the seats and the visibility from the motive force’s seat is great.
However the cabin is compact, storage across the seats is small and the Harmon Kardon sound system, which pale out over tough pavement. As well as, the road becoming a member of the Dutch doorways in the back of the Clubman obstructs the rear-view mirror.
Powertrain
The 2023 Mini Cooper S Clubman is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine, which is coupled with an 8-speed automated transmission. The automobile comes with an “ALL4” all-wheel-drive system that comes on immediately.
It’s also geared up with three completely different drive modes and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel for individuals who would possibly need to management their very own shifts. The U.S. Environmental Safety Company has given the 2023 Mini Cooper S Clubman a mixed fuel-economy score of 27 mpg, together with 23 mpg in metropolis driving and 32 on the freeway.
Security and Expertise
The Clubman comes with eight airbags for cover, together with aspect curtain and knee airbags for the motive force and entrance seat passenger. It additionally comes with energetic driving help with ahead collision alerts. It additionally has pedestrian and lane-departure warnings, and rear-view digicam and park distance sensors. It options Bluetooth, satellite tv for pc radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to LED daytime working lights and headlamps, with automated high-beam controls.
Driving Impressions
The Clubman’s 2.0-liter engine produces 189 horsepower, which is greater than sufficient to provide the light-weight automobile loads of zip out on a freeway such because the Ohio Turnpike or I-75. The properly tuned chassis and suspension from John Cooper Works additionally carried out properly within the rolling hills and twisting highways of Western Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.
The steering was exact, provided loads of suggestions and the brakes had ample stopping energy. General, it was enjoyable to drive particularly on nation roads, nevertheless it additionally match properly in metropolis driving.
2023 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 Specs
Wrap Up
The 2023 Clubman definitely isn’t for everybody. It doesn’t have the area for what the vast majority of analysts would take into account to be a household automotive. At $44,400, it additionally carries what was thought-about the worth tag for a luxurious automotive. However it’s enjoyable to drive and is environment friendly sufficient for commuting, working errands or the outing of a household with babies. It’s also simple to park, which is at all times one thing to think about in more and more crowded city and suburban environments.
2023 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 — Incessantly Requested Questions
What does ALL4 imply on a Mini Cooper?
Launched in 2010 with the launch of the enduring Countryman SUV, ALL4 refers to Mini’s all-wheel-drive system that may tackle a broad vary of terrains and climate circumstances.
What’s the distinction between a Mini Countryman and Clubman?
Whereas each Mini fashions comfortably seat 5 passengers, the Countryman presents a bit extra cargo area. Plus, its larger roofline additionally supplies passengers with extra headspace. The Clubman additionally options normal heated entrance seats. The Piano Black inside end is normal for the 2021 Countryman.
Is Mini phasing out Clubman?
Mini’s vary goes electrical, and it will imply new fashions with new names. The Mini Clubman, on sale because the 2015 mannequin 12 months, will depart the line-up in 2024 as Mini plans to overtake its choices.