British United Automobiles Inc, the authorized distributor of Mini in the country, recently unveiled the much-anticipated latest generation of the Mini Clubman.
According to Mini, the new Clubman has set all the requirements of compact class in terms of functionality, specifically its four doors and split doors at the rear, versatile interior and generous seating capacity, up to its powerful engine (via its latest twinpower turbo technology).
During its launching, Willy Tee Ten, President of Mini Philippines, said: “When the Clubman was first presented in 2007, it was responding to a desire for space to accommodate more passengers and luggage as well as to expectations of a 21st century automobile in terms of comfort, safety, and efficiency.”
“Today, the new Clubman far surpasses its predecessor not only in dimensions but in providing an overall better driving experience packed with more technology and innovations than before,” explained Tee Ten.
2016 Mini Clubman
Nonetheless, the British car brand still retains its image of being a top classic car. Some of its exterior features include: circular headlamps with chrome surrounds, hexagonal contours on the radiator grille, and the striking new metal that surrounds the split door. Mini also widens the lower air inlet of the Clubman to make the car more solid in stature.
Outside, you won’t go wrong with its size. It is 4,253-mm long and 1,800-mm wide, bigger in dimensions than the
Toyota Yaris,
Honda Jazz, and
Mazda 2. There has also been a huge improvement on the luggage compartment by adding 1,250-liters volume with 40:20:40 split rear seats that can be folded flat.
Inside, the new Clubman now comes with a striking door trim design highlighted by illuminated decorative strips. Combined with a classy interior trim finish, the new lighting package with LED interior and ambient lighting creates an atmospheric ambiance with a variety of colors to suit your mood.
Mini Clubman offers bigger interior
In terms of performance, the car is equipped with TwinPower Turbo Technology that provides ample power when accelerating. The new Clubman offers two variants—the Cooper Clubman and the Cooper S Clubman. The Cooper Clubman is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine that provides a decent 136 horsepower, while the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Cooper S Clubman has more aggressive acceleration with 192 horsepower and 280 Newton meter of torque. Standards fitted on the new Clubman are either a 6-speed Automatic transmission (Cooper variant) or an 8-speed Sports Automatic with shift paddles (Cooper S variant).
Safety has always been the main priority of the British Marque
Safety-wise, the diminutive Clubman has a lot to offer starting with the Park Distance Control with sensors at the front (optional) and rear (standard); rearview camera (optional); Parking Assistant (optional) that helps the driver select and use parking spaces parallel to the road; and cruise control with brake function (standard).
Mini is targeting a very niche segment with a price of
P2.7-million (for the Cooper Clubman) and
P3.2-million (for the Cooper S Clubman). But for the price tag, you’ll probably know where your extra money went to.
