- In Cooper S form that we test here, the Clubman is still fitted with the same 189bhp, 2.0-litre turbo engine that powers the petrol ’S’. Despite the bigger dimensions, it still feels fast and willing, although we’d have preferred the slick six-speed manual transmission over the optional slick-shifting eight-speed auto that was fitted.
- 0-62mph acceleration comes up in 7.1 seconds and the top speed is 142mph, but the Cooper S is still capable of 45.6mpg on the combined cycle and has 137g/km emissions resulting in the 21% charge for 2015/2016. Meaning just £85 a month in benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax for a 20% tax payer.
What’s not?
- MINI should be congratulated as despite being MINI in name only, it is still great to drive. However the new Clubman’s extra length and width is obvious when you hit the first corner – you can’t defy physics and the F55 and F56 hatches feel more dynamic. Although we were also able to drive the Cooper D Clubman this Cooper S feels the most like a MINI in our opinion.
- MINI reckons 50% of buyers will choose the high-value Chili pack when buying their new Clubman. This makes sense as it has all the equipment business buyers will ever need. But you’ll have to pay for it, as the pack for the Cooper S costs an eye-watering £2,785. This is on top of the Cooper S’s strong £22,755 base price. With a couple of options, it’s easy to break the £30,000 barrier – our test car with options listed at over £32,000 – ouch!
The Verdict
As the F55 five-door MINI hatch proved before it, the MINI brand is growing up and not scared to take on new market segments. Like the five-door, we think the new Clubman is sure to appeal to conquest buyers who want a fun, stylish alternative to other premium five-door hatch rivals from Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen.
On top of the practicality and appeal, even in range-topping Cooper S form, this MINI should be gentle on the Business Car pocket with it available for around £250 per month on a business car lease.
The Low Down for the MINI Cooper S Clubman review…..
| Doors and body style | 6-door estate |
| Engine/gearbox: | 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol/8-speed automatic gearbox |
| CO2 Emissions: | 134g/km |
| Economy: | 48.7mpg |
| Power/torque: | 192PS/280Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed: | 7.1secs/140mph |
| Insurance group: | 22 |
…..and what it costs
| P11D Value | £22,100 |
| Monthly Business Car Lease ex VAT (10k miles pa, 3+35 payments, non-maintained) | From £256 (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
| Road tax (VED) | Band E |
| Company Car Tax Bands 2015/16 to 2016/18 | 21%, 23%, 25% |
| Benefit in kind 2015/16 to 2017/18 | £5,097, £5,582, £6,068 |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £928/£77 |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £1,856/£155 |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £1,020/£85 |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £2,0940/£170 |
| Figures correct at time of posting | 23.11.2015 |
| For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator |
