The latest iteration of the MINI Clubman only recently made its first appearance on local showroom floors. While the new model still resembles the familiar MINI range, under its skin features extensive updates to technology on its operation and driver connectivity.
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The entry-level offering comes fitted with a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol motor mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and produces 100 kW and 220 Nm of torque. The next tier features the Clubman S variant which offers 141 kW and 280 Nm from its 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol motor. This is only bested by the John Cooper Works ALL4 Clubman which uses the same engine but manages to push 225 kW and 450 Nm of torque through the 8-speed Sports Steptronic transmission.
Warranty
The MINI Clubman offers good space and the latest in smartphone connectivity and can be a great little city runaround, however, should anything go wrong, it is always good to know that there is a warranty in place. The MINI Clubman is sold new with a 5-year / 100 000 km Maintenance Plan as well as a 2-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Provided that the owner adheres to the service schedule and only original MINI parts and accessories are fitted, the warranty will cover the entire vehicle for 2 years, with no distance limit, except for wear-and-tear parts. Owners living close to the coast will also be happy to know that their vehicles are covered for body corrosion for 12 years. Optional accessories fitted to the MINI by an approved MINI service centre is also covered for 2 years under the vehicle warranty.
Should the owner find a component that is sub-standard for any reason or might not have been fitted correctly, the owner should contact their closest MINI dealership or approved service centre to have the vehicle and component inspected before any further damage can take place.
Maintenance Plan
Included in the purchase price of new MINI vehicles are a comprehensive maintenance plan. This plan which plan covers all wear-and-tear components and service items such as the operating fluids and engine belts but excludes fuel and tyre replacement. This means for the first 5 years or 100 000 km, whichever occurs first, the owner does not have to spend any additional money on replacement parts or labour during servicing.
The owner merely has to schedule a service when the vehicle diagnostic system prompts them. Failure to do so will result in the vehicle warranty being voided. After the maintenance plan has expired, owners have the option to extend the plan to 7-years / 200 000 km, at an extra cost and provided that the vehicle meets the conditions for such an extension set out by MINI.
Exclusions
Although the maintenance plan and warranty will nearly cover everything you might need during the initial stages of your MINI Clubman ownership, there are a few exclusions. First off, the maintenance plan does not cover any of the interior trim items, covers, panels or any squeaking, rattling noises and smells that might manifest. Similarly, you will also be responsible for replacing any damaged glass surfaces, such as windows and headlights.
Couldn't dodge that pothole in time? Well wheel damage, wheel imbalance and wheel alignment is also the responsibility of the owner, however, speak to your tyre fitment centre on wheel insurance. Any damaged caused by the owner will be the responsibility of the owner, such as damage to the paint finish, contamination in the fuel system and even damage to the powertrain because of insufficient oil levels. Any accessories fitted after the vehicle was ordered is also void and don't even think of participating in racing events, for that maybe consider a used model.
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