Buying, Owning & Improving
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If space and style are equally important, then this big MINI F54 might prove the perfect answer.
Remember, dear readers, the original ’60s Mini Clubman? If the answer’s a nostalgic ‘yes’, then we’re from the same vintage! It was tiny, wasn’t it? Yet, like the modern-day namesake we’re focussing on here, it had precisely the same remit – to make the vehicle it was based upon moderately more practical for family buyers. The latest Clubman even has the same, charismatic rear barn doors as the original.
Being the least ‘mini’ of any of the MINIs, the F54 Clubman which arrived in 2015 is a bit of a giant compared to its classic counterpart. At 4253mm long and 2022mm wide, it even makes the Generation 2 Clubman (F55) – which, in truth, was little more than a squared-off Hatch – look compact. But here’s the thing; unlike its 2006-2013 predecessor, it has four proper side doors instead of the rear-hinged affair which bizarrely spat passengers out into the road on right-hand drive models.
Suffice to say that’s not the only difference because it also offers exceptional sophistication and the kind of luxuries and levels of comfort those first Clubman owners could only have dreamed of six decades ago. Believe it or not, there’s even a four-wheel drive (ALL4) version in the line-up.
SUV alternative
Having highlighted the contradiction that exists naming a car that’s now far bigger than most superminis a MINI, it’s worth identifying where the Clubman sits in the family car sector and, in particular, the rest of the MINI squad. In a nutshell, being sat on the larger UKL2 platform, it’s targetted at potential MINI Hatch buyers that need more space inside but don’t want to sacrifice style with the more SUV-like MINI Countryman, or more conventional family SUVs. Those twin-opening rear doors are great for loading luggage and with 360-litres with all five seats in their upright position, the boot comes close in capacity to that of the Golf estate. Fold everything flat and space expands to 1250-litres.
Indeed, there’s a wonderful feeling of spaciousness inside that’s been absent on MINIs previously with generous legroom in the back thanks to the extra 72mm over the three-door MINI. Moreover, everything feels much more upmarket than before, and the quality of the interior fittings is right up there with the best prestige offerings from the likes of Audi and Mercedes.
In truth, it’s the fact it’s just a bit different that appeals, from the large central circular display that made its debut as a speedo (harking back to the original) on the very first BMW-MINIs in 2001, through to the now familiar toggle switches, chunky detailing and repeated nods towards the Union flag.
