New generation Clubman offers more practicality this time around, with MINI even boldly marketing it as the new car for hipsters

MINI Asia has introduced the new MINI Clubman in hopes of conquering the premium compact segment. The new model offers the highest level of everyday practicality, which is a stark contrast compared to its predecessor which, if you remember, had a controversial rear door placed 'on the wrong side of the car'.

This time around, with four doors and the characteristic split doors at the rear for access to the boot, five fully-fledged seats and a generously sized, versatile interior, the new MINI Clubman was obviously designed to blend both style and practicality. It's an elongated hatchback, but less boring, in other words.

“When the MINI Clubman was first presented in 2007, it was responding to a desire for space to accommodate more passengers and luggage as well as to expectations of a 21st century automobile in terms of comfort, safety and efficiency. It took the shooting brake concept in MINI style to a whole new dimension. Today, the new MINI Clubman far surpasses its predecessor not only in dimensions but in providing an overall better driving experience packed with more technology and innovations than before,” said Mr. Peter Medalla, Head of MINI Asia.

The more mature character of the new MINI Clubman is also reflected in dimensions that are significantly larger than the predecessor: It is 271 mm longer and 73 mm wider than the MINI 5 door, with its wheelbase 103 mm longer as well.

Its luggage compartment has a volume of 360-litres, which can be extended to as much as 1,250-litres by folding down the rear backrest with its 40:20:40 split.

In a unique attention to details exercise, aerodynamics were given some smart work. The Air Curtains consist of narrow, vertically arranged openings in the outer sections of the lower air inlet. From here, air is selectively channelled around the wheel arches. It flows along the wheels with much reduced turbulence, escaping through Air Breathers in the rear section of the side panels. A model-specific roof spoiler also helps reduce aerodynamic drag.

The MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman are both powered by the latest generation three and four cylinders engines, respectively. The MINI Cooper S Clubman is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with a peak output of 192 hp and maximum torque of 280 Nm (from 1,250 rpm). Torque can even briefly be increased to 300 Nm by means of an overboost function; as a result, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 7.1 seconds, while the top speed is 228 km/h. The average fuel consumption of the MINI Cooper S Clubman is 5.9 litres per 100 km (or 16.9 km/L), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/100km (per LTA figures).

With output of 136 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Nm from 1,250 rpm (230 Nm with overboost), the 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine in the MINI Cooper Clubman also allows a sporty driving performance. The MINI Cooper Clubman sprints in from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 205 km/h. Its average fuel consumption is 5.4 litres per 100 km (or 18.5 km/L) and CO2 emissions level is 125 g/100km (per LTA figures).

The new MINI Clubman is fitted as standard with either a 6-speed Automatic transmission (Cooper variant) or, for the first time ever, a new 8-speed Sports Automatic with paddle-shifters (Cooper S variant). The automatic transmission has been put on a diet to keep the car's overall weight low: Carbon fibre friction linings for the synchroniser rings. A gear sensor also enables active engine speed adaptation for especially sporty shifting when accelerating and increased comfort when shifting down. The 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission offers even a Launch Control function for traction-optimised acceleration with maximum dynamic performance from standing (for Cooper S variant only).

The MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper Clubman are both retailing at the MINI Habitat showroom for $166,300 and $139,300 respectively. Both prices include COE.