New vs used MINI Clubman: what are the top 4 differences?
Seeing as the MINI Clubman received a pretty extensive facelift less than a year ago, the chances are that most used Clubmans currently in the marketplace will be pre-facelift (or first-generation) examples. Restricting our scope to the second-generation model, we highlight some significant updates applied to the latest MINI Clubman.
This was a fairly extensive revision, with a refreshed appearance and a bunch of mechanical- and technology upgrades. Note that the MINI Clubman received new powertrains during a prior (mid-2018) update, when the older automatics were replaced by a 7-speed dual-clutch unit. At this time, the engines also received particulate filters to meet ever-stricter emissions regulations.
Some examples with manual gearboxes are still available, but the current new-car pricelist only features self-shifters. There were two engine options at launch: a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder (100 kW/220 Nm) and a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder (141 kW/280 Nm), both turbocharged, fuelled by petrol, and driving the front wheels.
A high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) version was added shortly after, with the 2.0-litre engine massaged to produce 225 kW and 450 Nm, sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. This one’s quite peppy, with a sub-5 second 0 – 100 km/h sprint and a top speed governed at 250 km/h. Read more about the red-hot MINI Clubman JCW in our launch report here.
The complete range mirrors the drivetrain options of the older model, so not much was changed with the oily bits that make it go, this time around. But, while the general layout and overall shape remained the same, a number of items received substantial revisions. Here’s everything that changed:
1. Styling
Up front, there’s a new grille and bumper assembly, bracketed by restyled headlights with black surrounds. The grille is considerably larger than before, and combines with the mascara’d headlights and domed bonnet to make the new Clubman look slightly like a startled frog from some angles. The lower driving lights now incorporate the daytime running lights, which form a halo ring around their outside diameter.
The rear end likewise receives redesigned tail lamp clusters (now all-LED), with a new “Union Jack” (Great Britain’s national flag) motif incorporated into the lighting signature. As before, the mirror caps and roof can be specified in black, white, or silver, but three new metallic finishes joins the spec sheet: “Indian Summer Red”, “British Racing Green”, and “Enigmatic Black”. New alloy wheels, both standard and optional, in a variety of designs and sizes from 16- to 19-inchers, complete the exterior picture.
Related: We compared MINI engines, and the efficiency crown goes to...
2. Matrix LED Headlamps
Old-fashioned Halogen headlamps are still standard equipment in the base Clubman, but Clubman S and JCW derivatives get LEDs as standard. The optional upgrade is an adaptive Matrix LED setup, with separate LED modules for low- and high beam. Matrix LED arrangements are very clever, because essentially they allow the lights to shine at full brightness everywhere – except where it could blind other traffic.
The cornering lights also automatically adjust their brightness according to the surrounding conditions. At low speed, the system automatically broadens the light beam to improve illumination on the side of the road, and above 70 km/h, it activates the matrix arrangement to provide maximum high beam usage. The resulting lightshow is pretty spectacular, and improves driving safety quite a bit. If buyers can afford this option, they should get it.
Related: The top 5 safety features on a MINI Clubman.
3. Sports Suspension
There are two optional suspension systems available for the MINI Clubman, one of which is a first-time offering. Two-stage adaptive dampers are still optional, but can now be substituted for a 10-millimetre lower ride height and stiffer springs. Given the low-profile tyres enforced by the larger wheel sizes, this option is likely to be most-appealing to hardcore buyers who won’t mind the trade-off in ride comfort in favour of grippier handling. Still, it’s nice of MINI to offer the possibility.
Related: Magical MINI-wagon for Moms on the Move – we reviewed a pre-facelift MINI Clubman.
4. “Always Connected”
All new Minis come with a SIM card and built-in 4G connectivity. In addition to over-the-air map updates for the navigation system for cars so equipped, this internet connectivity also enables a host of online services. Ticking the option box for Connected Navigation or better includes BMW Group’s Concierge Service, real-time route updates, and Apple CarPlay.
In addition, the MINI Connected App offers a range of remote services, including sending navigation destinations from a smartphone to the car, and obtaining the current vehicle location and fuel level. It can also flash the lights, sound the hooter, and lock or unlock the doors via the app, to highlight just a few cool functions. Perfect for people prone to “losing” their cars in parking garages, such as your writer...