It's fair to say that when I first clapped eyes on the new MINI Clubman, it wasn’t a case of love at first sight. I was a big fan of the practical predecessor, which elegantly incorporated an estate rear on to the cheeky MINI hatch, and included the quirky single door for rear seat passengers. But the latest car looks bloated and bulbous.
However, I’ve always been taught “never judge a book by its cover” – and that’s true of our new Cooper D Clubman. I’ve tried to improve the looks by adding larger 18-inch alloys (£1,145), Pure Burgundy metallic paint (£515) and a grey contrast roof (£125), but it’s inside that the car has won me over. The blend of retro design cues, quality and practicality makes it something to savour.
Admittedly, I’ve gone a little bit overboard with the options, but it’s difficult not to get carried away with MINI’s online car configurator. For starters, I’ve added the garish Chester Indigo Blue leather trim and figure-hugging sports seats, which in combination cost a hefty £1,715.
You can’t really order a MINI without investing in one of the option bundles, so I’ve gone for the £1,385 Chili Pack that includes LED headlamps, keyless entry, heated seats and much more. Finally, I’ve ticked the box for the £1,010 Media Pack that features sat-nav and connected online services.
But even without these options, the Clubman feels right once you’re aboard. The low-slung driving position is perfect, while the bank of toggle switches on the centre console and large circular display on the dashboard are a neat nod to the Fifties original. Modern touches extend to the classy backlit door-pulls that glow in a multi-coloured pattern at night, plus the intuitive infotainment rotary controller that sits between the front seats.
The quality of the cabin is first-rate, too. Top-notch plastics are used throughout, while the fit and finish are superb. With options, our car costs a whisker over £30,000, but sat behind the wheel, it feels like it’s worth this heady amount.
I’ve been impressed by the practicality of this super-sized MINI. Yes, I miss the suicide rear door of the old car, but these conventional openings are much easier to use. Inside, there’s far more head and legroom, although it still trails the VW Golf.
At the rear, the Clubman’s trademark twin barn doors have been retained. When closed, there’s a thick central pillar that restricts visibility, but opening the doors reveals a useful 360-litre boot. That’s about average for the compact family hatchback class, but it’s more than big enough for all my camera equipment. For even more space, there’s a 40:20:40 split rear bench, too.
However, the best part of MINI ownership is the driving experience. I’ve only covered a handful of miles in the Clubman, but already I’m smitten with its infectious character. Scaling up the external dimensions hasn’t dulled the Clubman’s appetite for fun, as it dives through corners with a puppy-like enthusiasm, and the 2.0-litre diesel delivers a decent punch.
Yet these sharp dynamics don’t come at the expense of refinement, as the MINI is quiet and composed at a cruise. So, initial impressions of the Clubman are very good indeed. I might even come to like the looks...
Insurance quote (below) provided by AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
- On fleet since: February 2016
- Price new: £22,245
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 148bhp
- CO2/tax: 109g/km/£20
- Options: Metallic paint (£515) contrasting roof (£125) 18-inch alloys (£1,145) sports leather seats (£1,175) Chili Pack (£1,385) MINI Media Pack (£1,010) front and rear parking sensors (£335) active cruise control (£810) through loading system (£200)
- Insurance: Group: 18 Quote: £565
- Mileage/mpg: 4,327/47.1mpg
- Any problems?: None so far