2022 MINI Clubman

2022 MINI Clubman Review

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The classic two-door hardtop is likely what comes to mind when you think of Mini, but the brand has other models to satisfy different needs. One of those is the Mini Clubman, a wagon-like variant with rear barn doors instead of a traditional hatch. With four side doors and a low, boxy cargo area, the Clubman offers more practicality than a classic Mini yet maintains a healthy dose of fun.

　　Even in base form, the Clubman feels nimble and sprightly thanks to its turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 189 horsepower. If you need more grip, all-wheel drive is available in the Clubman All4. Like other Minis, the Clubman features upscale materials in its cabin, helping it stand apart from other compact hatchbacks. Despite its premium nature, the Mini Clubman still competes against small cars from mainstream brands, including the Hyundai Veloster and Volkswagen Golf GTI. 

　　Check out our exhaustive Expert Rating to see how the Mini Clubman stacks up against the competition.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

　　How does the Clubman drive? The Clubman JCW uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes an impressive 301 hp. At our test track, it propelled our test car from 0 to 60 mph in a rather outrageous 4.7 seconds. Using launch control, the Clubman JCW blasts off the line, cracking off shifts and even getting some tire chirp on the 1-2 upshift. It feels quick in routine driving too, with plenty of low-end torque and a responsive gas pedal.

　　The Clubman JCW is relatively composed around turns, and it doesn't have the go-cart feel of older Minis. The steering is heavier than you might expect, but it feels good and responsive. Even with all-wheel drive, there is a mild amount of torque steer. In general, the handling isn't markedly different or more enjoyable than that of a Cooper Clubman S.

Comfort

　　How comfortable is the Clubman? Mini spent a lot of time tuning the suspension and handling. Unfortunately, the engineers have tuned it for performance, with no regard for comfort and refinement. The Clubman JCW is stiff. Uncomfortably so. It crashes over bumps, and potholes will rattle your teeth. The firm and oddly padded seat doesn't help much either. Yes, the bolsters do a great job of keeping you planted on winding roads, but it only compounds the ride-quality issue.

　　It's not all bad inside. When it's not sending shockwaves through your spine, the Clubman JCW is actually fairly quiet and refined. The turbocharged engine makes a nice-sounding growl even if much of it is prerecorded and piped in through the speakers. The climate control works well and has air vents for the rear passengers.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below