2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD: A Blast From The Past With A Modern Twist

By Mustaqim Jaed at May 22, 2024 Post a Comment

2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD: A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist

The Mini Cooper has always been a symbol of quirky charm and go-kart handling. But in 2017, the brand took a bold step with the Clubman, expanding its appeal beyond the traditional two-door hatch. The Clubman S All4 AWD, with its larger dimensions and all-wheel drive system, offered a compelling blend of practicality and performance. This review delves deep into the 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately determining whether it lives up to the Mini legacy.

Design: A Quirky Classic with a Modern Edge

The 2017 Clubman S All4 AWD retains the Mini’s iconic design language, but with a distinct twist. Its elongated body, featuring a pair of rear-hinged "barn doors" instead of a traditional trunk lid, gives it a unique and undeniably charming appearance. The signature round headlights, hexagonal grille, and distinctive roofline remain, albeit stretched and refined for the larger format.

The Clubman’s design is both playful and practical. The barn doors, while initially surprising, provide easy access to the spacious cargo area, and the split rear windows offer a touch of retro charm. However, the large rear overhang and the slightly awkward rear profile might not appeal to everyone.

Interior: A Blend of Retro and Modernity

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1 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD: A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist
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Stepping inside the Clubman S All4 AWD, you’re greeted by a delightful blend of retro styling and modern technology. The circular instrument cluster, reminiscent of classic Minis, sits proudly behind the steering wheel. The center-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, while not the most intuitive, adds a touch of modern sophistication.

The interior materials are generally high-quality, with soft-touch plastics and comfortable seats. However, the abundance of hard plastic surfaces in some areas might feel a bit cheap, especially considering the price tag.

Space and Comfort: Room for More

The Clubman S All4 AWD offers a significant upgrade in space compared to the standard Mini Cooper. The rear seats provide ample legroom for adults, and the cargo area is surprisingly spacious, boasting 17.5 cubic feet of storage with the seats up and 47.9 cubic feet with them folded down. This makes the Clubman a practical choice for families or anyone who needs a bit more space.

However, the low roofline and the rear-hinged doors might make getting into the back seats a bit awkward for taller passengers.

2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD: A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist

Performance: A Zippy Ride with All-Weather Confidence

Under the hood, the Clubman S All4 AWD is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for spirited driving, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently.

The All4 all-wheel drive system adds a significant advantage in slippery conditions, providing excellent traction and stability. The Clubman S All4 AWD handles confidently on both paved and unpaved roads, making it a great choice for drivers who want a fun and capable car, even in less-than-ideal weather.

Ride and Handling: Go-Kart Feel with a Touch of Comfort

The Mini Cooper has always been known for its go-kart-like handling, and the Clubman S All4 AWD doesn’t disappoint. The steering is precise and responsive, and the car feels incredibly agile and nimble in corners. The suspension, while firm, provides a comfortable ride on most surfaces.

2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD: A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist

However, the stiff suspension can be a bit jarring on rough roads, and the low-profile tires can transmit road noise into the cabin.

Features and Technology: A Mixed Bag

The Clubman S All4 AWD comes equipped with a range of standard features, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Optional features include a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

While the infotainment system is functional, its user interface can be clunky and slow to respond. The navigation system, while accurate, is not as user-friendly as some competitors.

Fuel Economy: A Compromise for Performance

The Clubman S All4 AWD gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. These figures are decent for a car with this much power, but they fall short of some more fuel-efficient competitors.

Safety: A Solid Foundation

The Clubman S All4 AWD comes standard with a suite of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and six airbags. Optional safety features include a head-up display, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.

Conclusion: A Quirky and Capable Choice

The 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD is a unique and compelling vehicle that blends practicality, performance, and style. It offers a spacious interior, a fun and engaging driving experience, and a distinctive design that is sure to turn heads.

However, the Clubman S All4 AWD is not without its flaws. The infotainment system can be frustrating to use, the ride can be a bit harsh on rough roads, and the fuel economy is not as impressive as some competitors.

Ultimately, the 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD is a great choice for drivers who value style, performance, and practicality. If you’re looking for a fun and capable car that stands out from the crowd, the Clubman S All4 AWD is worth considering.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of the 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD:

Pros:

Distinctive and stylish design: The Clubman S All4 AWD offers a unique and charming design that sets it apart from other compact cars.
Spacious interior: The Clubman S All4 AWD offers more space than the standard Mini Cooper, making it a practical choice for families or anyone who needs a bit more room.
Fun and engaging driving experience: The Clubman S All4 AWD delivers a go-kart-like handling experience, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.
All-wheel drive system: The All4 system provides excellent traction and stability in slippery conditions, making the Clubman S All4 AWD a capable choice for drivers who live in areas with harsh weather.
Good cargo space: The Clubman S All4 AWD offers a surprisingly spacious cargo area, making it a practical choice for hauling groceries, luggage, or other items.

Cons:

Clunky infotainment system: The infotainment system can be frustrating to use, with a slow response time and a clunky user interface.
Stiff suspension: The suspension can be a bit harsh on rough roads, making the ride less comfortable than some competitors.
High price: The Clubman S All4 AWD is priced higher than some competitors, making it a less affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.
Low fuel economy: The Clubman S All4 AWD’s fuel economy is not as impressive as some competitors, especially considering its smaller engine size.
Rear-hinged doors: The rear-hinged doors can be awkward to use, especially in tight parking spaces.

Overall:

The 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All4 AWD is a compelling vehicle that offers a unique blend of practicality, performance, and style. It is a great choice for drivers who value a fun and engaging driving experience, a spacious interior, and a distinctive design. However, its clunky infotainment system, stiff suspension, and high price tag might be drawbacks for some buyers.

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