Mini Clubman launching on December 15

Words by Yash Sunil

Mini’s largest car ever, the Clubman will be launched in India on December 15. The wagon will come to our shores as a CBU and will have the traditional split tail gate as the USP.

On the outside, the Clubman gets the same treatment as every Mini with iconic round headlights, integrated DRLs, signature grille and a new front bumper. The air inlets on the grill are not toothed unlike the Cooper and even the fog lamp bezel is protruding. The wagon even stands out thanks to the extended wheelbase (longer by 270mm) which accommodates the wider split rear gate. It allows for additional room on the inside and even the boot capacity of the Clubman is 360 litre (which can be extended to 1250 liters, by folding the rear seats), which is larger by 82 litre as compared to a Mini Cooper. Also, The split tailgate allows for easier loading/unloading as compared to a conventional hatchback boot-lid. Customers can also opt for an add-on feature that allows them to open the boot automatically by moving the foot under the rear bumper and also via the key fob. The dashboard has not been tinkered with and is highlighted by the same 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the center.

The Clubman is available in the UK in three variants, the Mini Cooper S, the Mini Cooper D and the Mini Cooper SD. Mini hasn’t disclosed if the India bound car will receive the 1.5-litre diesel engine making 114bhp and 270Nm of torque or the much more powerful 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine which makes 189bhp and 280Nm. Both the engines are available mated to a 6-speed AMT or an optional 8-speed gearbox with paddle shifters, which is a first in the Mini range.

When the Clubman does come to India, it will cater to a very niche market with the unique styling and the rear split tailgate. With the Clubman, Mini will add to their existing portfolio which at present consists of the Mini Cooper 3-door, Mini Cooper 5-door, Mini Cooper Convertible and Mini Cooper Countryman.