2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S ALL4: A Go-Kart with a Backseat
2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S ALL4: A Go-Kart with a Backseat
The Mini Cooper, with its iconic design and go-kart-like handling, has long held a special place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts. But for those seeking more practicality, the 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S ALL4 offers a compelling blend of fun and functionality. This expanded version of the Mini, featuring a longer wheelbase and a pair of rear-hinged "barn doors," provides a surprising amount of cargo space and rear-seat comfort without sacrificing the brand’s signature driving dynamics.
A Quirky Charm with a Touch of Maturity
The 2017 Clubman S ALL4 builds upon the Mini’s playful personality, adding a touch of maturity and practicality. The exterior design remains unmistakably Mini, with its signature circular headlights, bold grille, and distinctive roofline. However, the Clubman’s stretched proportions and unique split rear doors give it a more sophisticated and grown-up presence.
Inside, the Clubman S ALL4 continues the Mini’s tradition of quirky charm. The cockpit is driver-focused, with a large, centrally mounted infotainment screen and a circular instrument cluster that evokes the brand’s heritage. The materials are high quality, and the overall design is both stylish and functional.
More Space Than You’d Expect
While the Mini Cooper’s compact size has always been part of its appeal, the Clubman S ALL4 expands on that formula. The longer wheelbase and the unique barn doors create a surprising amount of cargo space, making it a viable option for families or those who need to haul more than just groceries. The rear seats fold down to create a flat loading floor, further enhancing its cargo capacity.
The rear seats, while not as spacious as those found in larger hatchbacks, offer enough room for two adults to travel comfortably. Legroom is decent, and the headroom is adequate, even for taller passengers.
A Thrilling Drive with All-Weather Confidence
Under the hood, the Clubman S ALL4 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers a satisfying blend of power and efficiency, providing quick acceleration and brisk passing power. The six-speed manual transmission is a joy to use, offering a precise and engaging driving experience. However, the optional eight-speed automatic transmission provides a more relaxed and efficient driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
The Clubman S ALL4’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system adds a layer of confidence to the driving experience, providing excellent traction in a variety of weather conditions. The system seamlessly distributes power to the wheels that need it most, enhancing grip and stability. This makes the Clubman S ALL4 a capable vehicle, even in challenging driving environments.
A Luxurious Interior with Modern Features
The Clubman S ALL4’s interior is a blend of luxury and practicality. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with a good amount of adjustability. The dashboard is well-designed and easy to use, with a large, centrally mounted infotainment screen that is responsive and intuitive. The available navigation system is accurate and easy to use, while the optional head-up display projects key information onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road.
The Clubman S ALL4 comes standard with a variety of features, including automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and a premium sound system. Optional features include a sunroof, heated seats, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
A Unique Blend of Fun and Functionality
The 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S ALL4 is a unique and compelling vehicle that blends the fun and driving dynamics of a Mini with the practicality of a larger hatchback. It offers a surprising amount of cargo space, comfortable rear seats, and a powerful engine that delivers a thrilling driving experience. While it’s not as spacious as some of its competitors, the Clubman S ALL4 offers a unique blend of style, performance, and practicality that is hard to find elsewhere.
Pros:
- Unique and stylish design
- Surprisingly spacious interior
- Powerful and efficient engine
- Engaging driving experience
- All-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction
- Comfortable and supportive seats
- Well-equipped with standard features
- Available with a wide range of optional features
Cons:
- Rear seats are not as spacious as some competitors
- Fuel economy is average for the class
- Some optional features can be expensive
- The barn doors can be tricky to open in tight spaces
Overall:
The 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S ALL4 is a fun and practical vehicle that offers a unique blend of style, performance, and functionality. It’s a great choice for drivers who want a car that is both engaging to drive and spacious enough for their needs. However, it’s important to consider the trade-offs in terms of rear-seat space and fuel economy.
Detailed Breakdown:
Exterior:
- Unique and Stylish Design: The Clubman S ALL4 retains the iconic Mini design cues, with its signature circular headlights, bold grille, and distinctive roofline. However, the stretched proportions and unique split rear doors give it a more sophisticated and grown-up presence.
- Distinctive Barn Doors: The Clubman’s signature rear doors, known as "barn doors," open outwards, providing easy access to the cargo area. While they can be tricky to open in tight spaces, they add to the car’s unique character and practicality.
- Available in a Variety of Colors: The Clubman S ALL4 is available in a wide range of exterior colors, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle to their taste.
Interior:
- Driver-Focused Cockpit: The Clubman S ALL4’s interior is driver-focused, with a large, centrally mounted infotainment screen and a circular instrument cluster that evokes the brand’s heritage.
- High-Quality Materials: The materials used in the Clubman S ALL4’s interior are high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and well-crafted details.
- Comfortable and Supportive Seats: The seats are comfortable and supportive, with a good amount of adjustability.
- Surprising Cargo Space: The Clubman S ALL4 offers a surprising amount of cargo space, thanks to its longer wheelbase and the unique barn doors. The rear seats fold down to create a flat loading floor, further enhancing its cargo capacity.
- Adequate Rear Seat Space: While not as spacious as some of its competitors, the rear seats offer enough room for two adults to travel comfortably. Legroom is decent, and the headroom is adequate, even for taller passengers.
Performance:
- Powerful Turbocharged Engine: The Clubman S ALL4 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers a satisfying blend of power and efficiency, providing quick acceleration and brisk passing power.
- Engaging Six-Speed Manual Transmission: The six-speed manual transmission is a joy to use, offering a precise and engaging driving experience.
- Smooth Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission: The optional eight-speed automatic transmission provides a more relaxed and efficient driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
- All-Wheel-Drive System Enhances Traction: The Clubman S ALL4’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system adds a layer of confidence to the driving experience, providing excellent traction in a variety of weather conditions. The system seamlessly distributes power to the wheels that need it most, enhancing grip and stability.
Technology:
- Large Infotainment Screen: The Clubman S ALL4 features a large, centrally mounted infotainment screen that is responsive and intuitive.
- Available Navigation System: The available navigation system is accurate and easy to use, with a clear and concise interface.
- Optional Head-Up Display: The optional head-up display projects key information onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road.
- Premium Sound System: The Clubman S ALL4 comes standard with a premium sound system that delivers clear and powerful audio.
- Optional Harman Kardon Audio System: For those who desire a more immersive audio experience, the Clubman S ALL4 offers an optional Harman Kardon audio system.
Safety:
- Comprehensive Safety Features: The Clubman S ALL4 comes standard with a variety of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags.
- Available Advanced Safety Features: Optional advanced safety features include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
Conclusion:
The 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S ALL4 is a unique and compelling vehicle that offers a surprising amount of practicality without sacrificing the brand’s signature driving dynamics. It’s a great choice for drivers who want a car that is both engaging to drive and spacious enough for their needs. However, it’s important to consider the trade-offs in terms of rear-seat space and fuel economy.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Closure
Thus, we hope this article has provided valuable insights into 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S ALL4: A Go-Kart with a Backseat. We hope you find this article informative and beneficial. See you in our next article!
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