Mini Clubman Cooper S 2015 car review

The latest Mini offers heaps of space and practicality and, after sitting inside the car for a few minutes, I soon discovered its fun side. The large, central display has an LED ring around the outside which changes colour in response to the driving mode used, or by mimicking the rev counter. The interior is functional and far from plain or boring. I really appreciated the effort and amount of detail, including the chrome trim, red stitching, round circles and the funky toggle switch. This car certainly has no shortage of zest.

Our test vehicle was decked out with $8,550 worth of additional options, including the $5k Mini Chili package which covers 18” black wheels, John Cooper Works (JCW) steering wheel and Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi audio system, along with sports transmission, heated seats and the Carbon Black Mini Yours interior package.

Great handling and fun to drive

The Mini Clubman Cooper has newly-developed suspension components which, due to the combination of power transmission to the front wheels and its low centre of gravity give it great handling.

For a driving experience that’s more fun, comfortable and safe, there’s an electric parking brake, additional electric seat adjustment and optional Mini Yours interior package with backlit door trimming. A Mini Excitement to those after LED interior lighting, and projects the Mini logo onto the ground when opening the driver’s door. As part of the Comfort Access package, the split rear doors can be opened without even touching them. Instead, they operate using a foot-activated sensor which comes as standard with the Cooper S model.

The Clubman reaches 0-100kmh in just 7.2 seconds and the Launch Control function allows for traction-optimised acceleration with maximum dynamic performance from stand-still.