MINI Clubman 2016 lands on the Philippines soil

MANILA: Mini Clubman 2016 has finally hit the shores of the country after making a regional launch in Singapore a month ago. This is the second Asian launch of the new generation model, which is a perfect blend of supreme comfort, versatility, premium luxury, practicality and long distance comfort. The latest model of Clubman was first unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, where it attracted a huge crowd owing to its majestic appeal.

Manufactured under the theme of 'Go with your GUT', today's generation Cooper is no longer a MINI 3-door hatchback. Built on a wider platform, the new model is blessed in terms of space as it is slightly bigger than its predecessor and outstrips the outgoing model in every aspect, be it dimensions or overall driving experience. The all-new Mini Clubman is loaded with all the latest technologies and features along with an all-new styling giving a more sporty look. The four-door hatchback has been designed to seat 5 passengers along with due consideration to fulfil the usual boot space requirements without sacrificing the comfort of the occupants. Its cargo area has a volume of 360 litre which can be further increased to the maximum 1250 litres thanks to its super flexible 40:20:40 rear-seat-split.

With significantly bigger dimensions compared to the outgoing model, the 2016 Clubman now stands at 4253 mm x 1800 mm 1440 mm (L x W x H) along with a wheelbase of 2670 mm offering a considerable cabin space which is quite spacious as compared to its predecessor.

Looking at its exterior, the Clubman 2016 has retained the brand's signature facade with its familiar chrome-surrounded circular headlights, protruding hexagonal radiator grille along with a large bumper and long roofline to give a more sporty feel to this 4-door hatchback. The contemporary tradition steeped shooting brake concept is also introduced on the exterior of the Clubman offering a practical functionality. The rear of the Clubman has also received few tweaks like the ditching of the color-keyed D-pillar replacing it with the black one giving it a floating roof look. Stretched Horizontal taillights, dual exhaust pipes, split doors with dual-section chrome handle and roof spoilers also distinguish it from the outgoing model.

Stepping inside the new generation MINI model, you will be welcomed by its inviting interior with premium materials, centrally-staged center console and ambient lighting which gives a whole new experience to MINI fanatics. The interior also features an in-car entertainment system controlled by a BMW-style i-Drive and includes either a 6.6-inch color screen or 8.8-inch color screen for both its variants. Its illuminated door bezels and detailed trimmings all around the cabin further add to the feel-good factor of the MINI Clubman 2016.

Both the variants i.e Cooper and Cooper S are driven by the MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The entry-level Cooper is powered by a 1.5-litre inline-three cylinder engine capable of generating the maximum power of 136 PS along with the peak torque of 220 Nm. On the other hand, the range-topping Cooper S is blessed with a significantly bigger 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo inline-four engine which generates the significantly larger output of 192 PS/280 Nm, and 300 Nm with overboost. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 6 or 8-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the variant.

While the locals of the country have to wait for a while for the new MINI Clubman All4, the latest model of Clubman is available at all the MINI showrooms with the base price tags of PhP 2,700,000 for Mini Clubman Cooper and PhP 3,200,000 for Mini Clubman Cooper S.

Also Read: Mini exhibits the 2016 Clubman All4