Skip advert
Advertisement

New MINI Cooper D Clubman 2015 review

Practicality is the name of the game with the MINI Clubman but even in economical Cooper D form MINI style is its real strength

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your MINI Clubman
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

As a quirky alternative to more conventional family hatchbacks, the new MINI Clubman works wonders. It’s infinitely more spacious and versatile than the old one, ensuring it is far more likely to be on the radar of prospective family buyers. Thankfully, it’s also retained its playful character, which the majority of conventional hatches sorely lack. Add in the impressive economy and low running costs and the Clubman could actually make a lot of sense to a lot of people.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Clubman name first appeared back in 1969. BMW reimagined it in 2007 with a similarly boxy shape, high roofline and barn-style doors - marketing it as a MINI for those with growing families.

But that never really worked. It was too small, cramped and compromised. MINI says it’s rectified that with this new one, which is not only bigger on the outside, but also significantly roomier on the inside.

This is no longer just a lardy MINI hatch, but instead a rival for the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class and Volvo V40. There’s a sizeable 360-litre boot behind the rear seats, and folding them down frees up 1,250 litres – just 20 litres less than you’ll find in a VW Golf.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Fiesta

2021 Ford

Fiesta

29,870 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,363
View Fiesta
Discovery Sport

2019 Land Rover

Discovery Sport

50,000 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £18,760
View Discovery Sport
e-Niro

2022 Kia

e-Niro

16,827 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £16,800
View e-Niro
C-HR

2022 Toyota

C-HR

30,500 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £18,800
View C-HR

Best estate cars to buy now

Up front, MINI’s installed a new centre console with a pair of cup-holders, a decent armrest and the familiar iDrive controller. The electronic handbrake frees up yet more space, and there’s even a pair of door bins big enough for a one-litre bottle of water. Standard kit has grown, too, with all cars featuring sat-nav, alloy wheels, cruise control and keyless go.

MINI hasn’t lost its flair, either. The big red starter button has been carried over from the hatch and sits nestled between the retro toggle switches, while ambient lighting has been cleverly installed in the door panels. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The dash design remains quirky, too, with a colour-coded ring and chrome strip wrapping the lower section of the dash. The large central display comes as standard, too. You’ll find plenty of room in the rear, and while it falls a little short of the class best, there’s enough head and leg space for adults to sit comfortably on longer journeys.

Thankfully, MINI has done away with the novelty rear-hinged Clubdoor and replaced it with two proper doors, which now open wide enough to fit a child seat in the back. The middle seat is a bit of a token gesture, though, and is only really usable on short trips. That said, the new Clubman is a great long-distance cruiser. We drove our Cooper D test car back to the UK from Spain, and were impressed with its refinement and impeccable motorway manners. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Best hatchbacks to buy now

Wind noise is a slight issue thanks to the upright windscreen, but the engine is quiet. However, road noise is an issue with 18-inch wheels, and we guess that it would be far quieter on 17s. And while the barn doors look good, they can obscure your view out the back. Stylish? Perhaps. Practical? We’re not so sure.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s a shame, actually, as the visibility is generally strong, with the large rear windows offering a great view over your shoulder when changing lanes. It’s still a fairly compact car, too, feeling easy to manoeuvre around town and fun on a stretch of twisting country road. The Clubman hasn’t lost any of its playful character in this most recent reinvention, and despite its bloated body, it can still put a smile on your face when you’re in the mood.

Admittedly, it’s not quite as sharp as a three or five-door hatch, but the steering is well weighted and the gearshift is short and sweet. We’ve already tested the petrol-powered Cooper S, but this Cooper D felt just as fun and even faster in gear thanks to its superior torque figure.

It’s also the most economical Clubman on sale, and will return as much as 68.9mpg – which is considerably more than you’ll get from a Cooper S (45.6mpg). It’ll cost just £20 per year to tax, too, whereas the petrol car will set you back between £130 and £145 depending on whether you go for the manual or more frugal auto. MINI is also looking to expand the Clubman range with a hot John Cooper Works version on the way, too

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,400
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,780
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range
Leapmotor badge

Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range

The Stellantis-backed brand will launch a Volkswagen ID.3-rivalling small car with almost 20 per cent more range
News
23 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025