Mini Clubman (2007)

Last updated

Mini Clubman
MINI Clubman (MSP16).jpg
Overview
Manufacturer BMW (Mini marque)
Production2007–2024
Body and chassis
Class Subcompact executive car (C) [1]
Chronology
Successor Mini Aceman

The Mini Clubman is a subcompact executive car engineered and manufactured by German automaker BMW and sold under the Mini marque. The first-generation Clubman was introduced in 2007, as a variant of the Mini Hatch (Hardtop in the US). A commercial version called Clubvan was added to the range in 2012. The current second-generation model has been in production since 2015 and available with front- and all-wheel drive.

Contents

History

Morris Mini Minor Traveller (1966) Morris Mini Minor Traveller 1966.jpg
Morris Mini Minor Traveller (1966)

The use of the name "Clubman" is a departure from Mini tradition. "Clubman" was originally the name given to the 1970s facelift of the classic Mini, which mostly resulted in a squared-off front end, whereas the classic Mini estates had traditionally been named "Traveller" or "Countryman". However, BMW did not initially purchase the rights to use those names, and so decided to call its larger-variant "Clubman", a name which it did own rights to.

Sketches of a new estate version of the Mini were shown at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, and a rendering of the estate concept (internally named EXT), wore the Clubman name on the licence plate. [2] The Clubman started out in development based on the first generation Mini Hatch (R50) before changing to the second gen Hatch (R56). [3]

First generation (R55) (2007–2014)

First Generation (R55)
Mini Cooper S Clubman Facelift front 20100508.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Mini (BMW)
Also calledMini Clubvan
Production2007–June 2014
Assembly England  : Cowley, Oxfordshire, (Plant Oxford)
Body and chassis
Class Supermini (B)
Body style 5-door estate (Clubman)
car derived van (Clubvan)
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive
Related Mini Hatch
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,548 mm (100.3 in)
Length2008–2010: 3,937 mm (155.0 in)
2008–2010 S: 3,957 mm (155.8 in)
2011–2014: 3,960 mm (155.9 in)
Width1,684 mm (66.3 in)
Height1,425 mm (56.1 in)
S: 1,433 mm (56.4 in)
Kerb weight 1,205 kg (2,657 lb)

Design

Mini Clubman Mini Clubman 20090717 rear.JPG
Mini Clubman

Identical to the 3-door hatchback from the B-pillar forward, the Clubman features a length increased by 240 mm (9.4 in), an 80 mm (3.1 in) longer wheelbase, increased rear-seat leg room and cargo space deeper by 160 mm (6.3 in), providing an increased 260 litres (9.2 cu ft) of space – growing from a total of 680 to 920 litres (24 to 32 cu ft) with the rear seats folded. The Clubman model weighs 64 kilograms (141 lb) more than its two-door counterpart.

The Clubman features access to its cargo space via bi-parting rear doors, known as barn doors or splitdoors. The passenger doors configuration and split rear cargo doors of the Clubman made it a unique model on the market at the time of release. [4] Also, all Clubman models feature a single backwards opening side door to access the rear seats. The first generation was the first Mini to have a so-called suicide door, but the second generation does not have one. It is marketed singularly as the Clubdoor, and is always located on its right side of the body – irrespective of market. It is much smaller in comparison to the regular driver and passenger side doors. This in turn creates differences between right and left-hand drive markets. In right-hand drive markets, the steering wheel won't allow the driver's seat to fold and slide as far forward as the passenger seat. This means that left-hand drive models have better rear seat access. For right-hand drive markets, including the car's home market, the bi-parting door is located on the road side of the car, requiring rear passengers to exit into the road. [5]

The model variants are the same as the Hatch/Hardtop version; being in available in One, Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper SD, Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) variations.

In 2011, the special edition Hampton was unveiled and comprised a Reef Blue metallic paint with a black roof, black leather seats, Damson Red bonnet stripes and interior detailing and Anthracite instruments borrowed from the Mini John Cooper Works. [6]

In 2013, the company unveiled the Clubman Bond Street, named after a prestigious shopping destination in the West End of London, featuring exclusive and stylish appointments inside and out. [7] The colour combination was Midnight black with Cool Champagne for the roof. [8]

Specifications

Four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission and manual transmission options are identical to those used in the corresponding hatchback models, except for the 66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp) One Diesel which is not offered in the Clubman. The rear suspension setup shares many of the same design features, including the rear trailing arms and the anti-roll bars. [9]

In 2011 the Peugeot DV6 (Ford DLD-416) engine used in the diesel models was replaced with 1.6L BMW N47 engines. The 2.0L version of the BMW engine appeared for the first time in the range for the Cooper SD versions.

The Clubman comes with 6 airbags, stability control, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Cargo area

Clubman's cargo area Mini Cooper S Clubman Heck.JPG
Clubman's cargo area

The cargo area of the first generation Clubman received mixed reviews. Although it was far bigger than the Mini Hatch, most critics still believed that it was too small in comparison to one of its main competitors, the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen. Many complaints were also cited about the boot/trunk. The car area aft of the B pillar was said to suffer high levels of road noise, especially at high speeds. Also, the rear seats did not fold flat with the load floor. Critics also said that the "storage package", which included options such as a 12V power outlet, perimeter lighting, and nets, should have been a standard fitting on the vehicle.

Clubvan

MINI Clubvan 2014 Mini Clubvan Cooper 1.6.jpg
MINI Clubvan

The light commercial, panel van version of the Clubman was first shown to the public in June 2012, called the Clubvan. Initially shown as a concept car at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, [10] a pre-production version was shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. [11] Sales in the US began in early calendar 2013 but it was withdrawn in July with only 50 units sold, the Chicken tax having made it more expensive than a Clubman passenger wagon. [12]

Second generation (F54) (2015–2024)

Second Generation (F54)
2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman front 5.3.18.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Mini (BMW)
Production2015–2024
Assembly England  : Cowley, Oxfordshire, (Plant Oxford)
Designer Alexander Schneider [13]
Body and chassis
Body style 6-door station wagon / hatchback
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform BMW UKL2 platform
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 6-speed automatic
8-speed Aisin AWF8F35 automatic
6-speed manual
7-speed Getrag 7DCT300 dual clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length4,275 mm (168.3 in)
Width1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Height1,440 mm (56.7 in)
Kerb weight 1,375 kg (3,031 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMini Clubman / Mini Clubvan (R55)
Successor Mini Aceman

A second generation Clubman was announced in 2013, with model code F54. [14] A concept version was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, [15] with the production model debuting at the 2015 Frankfurt IAA Motor Show.

The new model, based on the BMW UKL2 platform, features more space. [16] At the time of its debut, the Mini Clubman was the largest Mini ever manufactured by the brand, measuring 427 centimetres (168.3 in) long and it is wider measuring 180 centimetres (70.9 in). It abandons the previous model's asymmetrical door layout for a standard four-door design, but it retains the rear barn doors.

Mini used many soft-touch plastics to cover the dash and majority of the door panels, real leather upholstery, and several upscale trim options.

Engines

This generation of the Mini Clubman comes with two engines for the North American market. The basic model comes with the 100 kW (134 bhp) 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engine mated with either a 6-spd manual or 6-spd automatic transmission, while the new Mini Cooper S Clubman comes with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine and 189 bhp, mated with either a 6-spd manual or 8-spd automatic transmission.

ModelFuel typeDisplacementCylindersTransmissionPowerTorqueEmissions CO2Top speedAcceleration 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)Kerb weight
OnePetrol1.5 L (1,499 cc)36-speed manual [6-speed auto]
from 2018–present:
6-speed manual, [7-speed DCT]
JCW: [8-speed auto]		75 kW/102 PS190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft)111-109 [114-112] g/km195 km/h (121 mph)9.9 [10.2] s1165 [1195] kg
Cooper100 kW/136 PS220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft)107-105 [112-109] g/km210 km/h (130 mph)7.9 [7.8] s1160 [1190] kg
Cooper S2.0 L (1,998 cc)4141 kW/192 PS280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)136-133 [126-123] g/km235 km/h (146 mph) [233 km/h (145 mph)]6.8 [6.7] s1235 [1250] kg
John Cooper Works170 kW/231 PS

(from 8/2019 225kW/306 PS)

320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)

(from 8/2019 450N⋅m)

147 [133] g/km

(from 8/2019 [169] g/km)

246 km/h (153 mph)

(from 8/2019 250 km/h = 155 mph)

6.3 [6.1] s

(from 8/2019 [4.9] s)

1205 [1220] kg
One DDiesel1.5 L (1,496 cc)36-speed manual [6-speed auto]

From 2018–present:

6-speed manual

[7-speed DCT]

85 kW/116 PS270 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft)92-89 g/km190 km/h (118 mph)11.6 s1190 kg
Cooper D2.0 L (1,995 cc)46-speed manual [8-speed torque converter auto]110 kW/150 PS330 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft)115-109 [115-109] g/km212 km/h (132 mph) [212 km/h (132 mph)]8.6 [8.5] s1395 [1435] kg
Cooper SD140 kW/190 PS400 N⋅m (266 lb⋅ft)122-119 [117-114] g/km225 km/h (140 mph) [225 km/h (140 mph)]7.4 [7.4] s1460 [1480] kg

Clubman ALL4

This generation of the Clubman is the first to receive Mini's all wheel drive system, known as "ALL4". The system uses an electro-hydraulic system, which uses an electronically managed hydraulic pump to adjust the clutch sending power to the rear wheels. The system can then divert up to 50% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, and the system actually defaults to AWD from the start, not FWD. Similar to BMW’s Xdrive system, which defaults to a 70/30 split rear to front and is able to divert 100% of power to the rear wheels, ALL4 starts at 50/50 and is able to re-allocate up to 100% of power back to the front wheels. Unlike one of its main competitors, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, the ALL4 version of the Clubman does not feature any raised suspension or rugged exterior design and body panels. Originally when it first arrived at dealerships, the Clubman was only available with ALL4 on the Cooper S model, but as of the 2017 model year, it is now available on the base Cooper model as well.

Vision GT Concept

In 2014, work began on the MINI Clubman VGT, which was designed for the videogame Gran Turismo 6 . [17] The car features four-wheel drive [18] and carbon fibre components to save weight, [19] and at nearly 400 horsepower, is one of the most powerful Minis. [20] It was made available to players via an update in February 2015. [21]

Discontinuation

The Final Edition was introduced in March 2023 and limited to 1,969 units globally, as a reference to the year the Clubman was originally introduced. The Final Edition was available in Nanuq White, Enigmatic Black and Melting Silver exterior colours, Shimmer Copper accents and stripes on the grille, hood, side and rear, a "1 of 1969 badge" on the C-Pillar and dual-tone wheels with copper elements. For the interior, there are "Final Edition" branded door sills, Dark Maroon leather sports seats, the same branding found on the steering wheel and dashboard, and special floor mats. [22] [23] [24]

MINI scheduled to end Clubman production in February 2024, with no third generation model planned. [25] In an interview with Top Gear, the head of MINI brand Stefanie Wurst explained that the future of the brand's model portfolio will not include the Clubman, since the Countryman outsells the Clubman 2 to 1 in worldwide sales. [26]

On 5 February 2024, the final Clubman rolled off the production line at the Plant Oxford after over 1.1 million units produced which includes the 550,000 figure from the BMW-era. A direct replacement is not planned for the Clubman because it had not been a commercial success for the BMW Group, as consumers preference for crossover SUVs. [27]

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References

  1. ↑ "Mini Clubman Refresh Debuts With New Grille And Headlights". Motor1.com. 16 April 2019.
  2. ↑ "A press photo for the Mini Cooper concept for the year 2000. Mini was entering a new era of defining what folks wanted hence brought back some of their classic nameplates. Also this serves a future prediction we see nowadays!". Car Throttle. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  3. ↑ Bridger, Gabriel (24 February 2009). "MF Exclusive: Evolution of the R55 Clubman". MotoringFile. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  4. ↑ A New Kind of Club. Torque Magazine, October 2007. October 2007.
  5. ↑ Car Advice - Not so mini new Mini clubman, published 2007.
  6. ↑ "Mini Hampton Clubman Cooper SD review".
  7. ↑ Barari, Arman (ed.). "MINI Clubman Bond Street Edition Unveiled". Motorward. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  8. ↑ "MINI Clubman Bond Street y Hyde Park". 2 April 2013.
  9. ↑ "Mini Clubman wagon revealed". DRIVE.com.au.
  10. ↑ "Geneva motor show: Mini Clubvan". Autocar. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  11. ↑ "Mini Clubvan (2012) first official pictures". Car. 22 June 2012. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  12. ↑ "Mini Clubvan axed". 18 July 2013.
  13. ↑ "During a final exterior sketch review, Alexander Schneider (MINI Exterior Design) presents some exterior design details and contours. (06/2015)". Press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  14. ↑ "Ten facts about the new Mini". Autocar. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  15. ↑ "Mini Clubman Concept". Evo. 5 March 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  16. ↑ "Nova Mini Clubman deixa-se mostrar com timidez" . Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  17. ↑ "Mini stretches its legs with new Clubman Vision Gran Turismo concept [w/Video]".
  18. ↑ "MINI Clubman Vision Gran Turismo". 27 February 2015.
  19. ↑ "Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo heads for GT6". 26 February 2015.
  20. ↑ "MINI Vision Gran Turismo concept teases next Clubman".
  21. ↑ "Mini introduces Clubman Vision Gran Turismo concept". 27 February 2015.
  22. ↑ Gauthier, Michael (22 March 2023). "MINI Clubman Final Edition Debuts As A Copper-Themed Farewell". Carscoops.
  23. ↑ "Mini Clubman Final Edition Debuts In Limited Run Of 1,969 Units Worldwide". Motor1.com. 22 March 2023.
  24. ↑ "New 2023 MINI Clubman Final Edition could be last of its kind". Auto Express. 22 March 2023.
  25. ↑ Padeanu, Adrian (21 February 2023). "MINI Clubman Production To End In February 2024: Report". BMW Blog.
  26. ↑ Banner, Justin (18 September 2023). "Mini's All-Electric Future Won't Include a New Clubman Wagon". Motor Trend.
  27. ↑ Padeanu, Adrian (5 February 2024). "MINI Clubman Production Comes To An End After 1.1 Million Cars". BMW BLOG. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
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