Mini Clubman Cooper 2019 first drive

It seems unkind to say it, but if you’ve driven the previous Clubman, there will be no surprises here. This is still a car that doesn’t quite fit into the traditional C-segment family hatchback mould, aiming to be a stylish and fun alternative to mainstream models, and in some respects it achieves that. Perhaps more pertinently, it’s the relatively modestly engined Cooper that proves itself to be the sweetest model in the line-up.

Despite the sporting connotations of the Cooper name, it's no fireball, being brisk rather than quick. Its three-cylinder engine revs a little lazily, but it’s smooth enough and emits a pleasant growl when extended, plus there’s a decent seam of low-down torque that allows the gearbox to short-shift up the ratios yet still make decent progress. 

However, the DCT is a mixed bag. It can get a little wrong-footed at low speed, jerkily shifting between ratios as you pull out of a junction or onto a roundabout. It’s quick and slick the rest of the time, while manual changes are operated the ‘right’ way around - pull the lever towards you for upshifts and push away for downshifts, motorsport style. The latter action also gives you a nice throttle blip to smooth progress.

The Clubman drives much as before in the corners, which isn't surprising, given no changes have been made to the chassis. The steering is quick and meatily weighted but suffers from some kickback and the merest hint of torque steer. Still, the car turns in quickly and feels like it wants to rotate around your hips, with the rear axle keen to share the load. You’re aware of the mass, however, and it’s not long before the tyres start squealing and the front edges wide – although breakaway is progressive and the nose can be brought back into line with a small lift of the throttle. 

This isn't a car that flows through corners like, say, the Golf or Ford Focus. It feels flightier than that, with the darty steering and firm suspension delivering a more hyperactive driving experience, as if it’s trying to hard to prove it’s a Mini at heart. Still, if you’re in the mood and the road is right, there is some fun to be had.

If you weren’t going to buy the previous version of the Clubman, there’s nothing here that’s likely to persuade you to change your mind. Not only does it lack the practicality of the Golf but also that car’s all-round polish and poise.

Yet a Mini isn’t a car you buy with your head, and for some the Clubman’s combination of character, style and endless personalisation options, all with a sprinkling of family-friendly versatility, will be enough to seal the deal. And if you do want to take the plunge, the Cooper’s reasonable price (before options) and more rounded dynamics make it the pick of the range.

Mini Clubman Cooper Exclusive specification

Where Bruges, Belgium Price £24,850 On sale Now Engine three-cylinder, 1499cc, turbocharged, petrol Power 134bhp at 4,500-6,500rpm Torque 162lb ft at 1,580-4,100rpm Gearbox seven-speed dual-clutch automatic Kerb weight 1350kg Top speed 127mph 0-62mph 9.2sec Fuel economy 52.3-53.2mpg CO2 120-122g/km Rivals BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf