Mini introduced the facelifted version of the Clubman’s second generation in 2019, trying to increase the sales of the longest vehicle produced by the British automaker until then.
In 2007, the British automaker introduced the first generation of the Clubman for customers who wished for a small-sized premium vehicle. It was an unusual concept with rear-hinged doors for the rear-seated passengers. Unfortunately, three years later, the world financial crisis struck, and the sales of this long MINI vehicle took a dive. But the automaker kept it on the market until 2015 when it introduced the second generation of it and became the longest MINI in the brand’s history. In 2019, the car went through a facelift that added many updates on the exterior, the interior, and under the hood.
At the front, the automaker offered adaptive LED headlights with Matrix function besides the halogen ones and sported chromed or black surroundings depending on the options. A white ring of light surrounding the headlamps served both as DRLs and turn indicators. The domed hood created the image of a powerful vehicle, which, depending on the version, was a solid statement. For the facelifted version, the Clubman featured a broad hexagonal-shaped radiator grille that stretched across the bumper. It was crossed by a chromed horizontal slat and was flanked by redesigned LED fog lamps.
From its profile, the four-door Clubman could be ordered with a black roof and pillars, creating a sportier image for the vehicle. In addition, the available sports suspension lowered the ground clearance by 10 mm (2”), while customers could get the car with up to 19” alloy wheels. The automaker went even further and offered an option for a package that projected the MINI logo and brand name on the ground when opening and closing the doors. Still, regardless of the vehicle’s color, it sported chromed door handles. At the back, the fridge-style doors remained similar to the non-facelifted version, but the LED taillights were available with a Union Jack pattern.
Inside, the automaker completely refreshed the cockpit and added new screens for the infotainment unit that sat atop the center stack. The base version came with a 6.5” display, with an option for a same-size touchscreen or an 8.8” split-screen. In addition, the automaker added the Connected Navigation and Connected Navigation plus units that featured an integrated SIM card and Internet access. Furthermore, it featured Apple CarPlay as well, but no Android Auto. Still, it was a step forward that allowed real-time traffic display.
Under the hood, the automaker installed a choice of three diesel and three gasoline engines, ranging from 102 PS (101 hp) to 192 PS (189 hp). In addition, MINI offered the outrageous John Cooper Works package that raised the bar to 306 PS (302 PS). Unlike the MINI Hatchback, the Clubman was also available with permanent all-wheel drive for selected versions.
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