Why Lease The Clubman?
by: Donna KellyDonna Kelly has over 12 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.
MINI Clubman Review 2022
With its SUV practicality and hot hatchback style, the MINI Clubman stands out from conventional small estates, making it a popular lease choice with young professionals and families alike.
Rivals to the MINI Clubman include the Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class, Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1 Series.
Our MINI Clubman review covers:
MINI Clubman Key Features
- Refreshed exterior style with revised front grille and distinctive Union Flag LED taillights
- Funky interior with 6.5-inch infotainment system
- 360-litre boot with 60/40 split rear seats
- Choice of three petrol engines with 134bhp, 189bhp and 302bhp
- Three trim levels including Classic, Sport and Exclusive
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
Taking its styling cues from the MINI Traveller and Countryman estate cars of the 1960s, the MINI Clubman certainly stands out in its class. Refreshed in 2019, the latest generation model boasts a new-look front end with a revised front grille and headlights, plus distinctive Union Flag LED taillights to bring it in line with the design of the MINI Hatchback.
Inside, as one of MINI's larger models, the Clubman offers plenty of space to get comfy. Room at the front is up there with the best in its class, with legroom being particularly generous. At the back, there is space enough to carry up to three adults in the back at once, although knee room can be a little tight, particularly behind the driver's seat.
The Clubman's 360-litre boot is smaller than the Volkswagen Golf but is still spacious enough to fit a large pram or a couple of decent-sized suitcases, even without folding the 60/40 split rear seat. However, the Clubman's unique split rear 'barn' doors can cause access problems when parking in tight spaces with little room at the rear.
Interior and Trims
Like other MINIs in the range, the Clubman boasts a funky, neatly designed interior with lots of cool details. It's finished to a high standard, making it stand out from rivals such as the VW Golf, however, the Audi A3 still stands out in its class for its overall premium feel.
All Clubman models come with an easy-to-use infotainment system and a 6.5-inch screen as standard. Apple CarPlay is also offered as standard, but Android Auto isn't available. You can, however, upgrade to an 8.8-inch screen as part of the Navigation Plus Pack, which adds touchscreen technology and access to a concierge service, online subscriptions, and Amazon Alexa.
Three trim levels are available, including the Classic, Sport and Exclusive.
The entry-level Classic model features timeless design features, cool tech and practical touches, including sports seats, LED headlights, navigation system and 16" or 17" alloy wheels, depending on the engine.
The mid-spec Sport model brings racier styling and cruise control, parking sensors, sport suspension, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-range Exclusive cars boast premium styling and details, including leather trim, connective services and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Power and Performance
Under the bonnet, the MINI Clubman is available with a choice of three petrol engines.
Options include the 1.5-litre Cooper for 134bhp and 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds, the powerful 2.0-litre Cooper S petrol model for 189bhp, and a four-wheel-drive JCW model with 302bhp. Front-wheel drive is standard across the range.
The MINI Clubman is one of the most fun estate cars to drive out on the road. There's plenty of front-end grip, and its quick steering offers a well-controlled ride. That said, the Clubman isn't as supple as the Mercedes A-Class and Volkswagen Golf, which still stand out in the class.
Leasing vs Buying
Prices for the new MINI Clubman start from £26,605.00 OTR* or to lease from £330.46 per month.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some fantastic lease deals on the MINI Clubman, which could make car leasing cheaper than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance.
All our lease deals include road tax, breakdown cover, manufacturer's warranty, and free mainland GB delivery. We also work with the MINI UK franchised dealer network, meaning you can not only benefit from a great lease price but also the trust and reliability that comes from a main dealership.
*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.
