Glendal's Favorite Reviews: MINI Clubman vs Mazda 3

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Auto Express 2019-11-12 12:30

The MINI Clubman offers more space than a hatch, but does it work as a compact family car? We pitched it against the Mazda 3 to find out

One of the things you’ll hear often when talking about the modern MINI brand is how big its cars have become. Of course, as buyers demand larger cars and regulations force manufacturers’ hands in certain ways, it’s clear why MINIs in 2019 are the size they are. But what about if you actually do want a bigger, more practical car that shares DNA with the excellent MINI hatch?

The potential answer comes in the form of the Clubman. It’s a model that, on the face of things, has few direct rivals; it’s a premium small family car that doesn’t quite follow the trend. Part of that is due to features like its unusual barn-style double rear doors, which replace a traditional hatchback boot.

However, there are other manufacturers that do things slightly differently in this class, one of them being Mazda. We’ve brought the revised Clubman together with the Mazda 3, which has many of the same features. It’s a style-focused car that’s great to drive and has space for the family – and in the case of this test, a petrol engine and auto box. Which of these more upmarket family models offers the best value, fun and practicality?

MINI Clubman

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Model:	MINI Clubman Cooper Exclusive Auto
Price:	£26,450
Engine:	1.5-litre 3cyl petrol, 134bhp
0-60mph:	8.6 seconds
Test economy:	39.4mpg/8.7mpl
CO2:	120g/km
Annual road tax:	£145

The new Clubman has a refreshed trim range, and it matches the hatch variant with Classic, Sport and Exclusive versions. It’s the latter spec we’re testing here in Cooper form, which starts from £26,450 with an automatic transmission.

Design & engineering

The Clubman is based on BMW’s UKL2 platform, which means it shares parts with the larger Countryman SUV, as well as BMW models including the latest 1 Series hatchback. It features MacPherson strut suspension up front and a multilink axle at the rear, while the Clubman Cooper version features a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 134bhp and 220Nm of torque.

Probably the most distinctive and unusual feature on the Clubman is its rear-end design, which features double doors rather than a hatchback tailgate. They open out like barn doors on hydraulic struts, using the big chrome handles.

This latest version of the Clubman features a new grille, LED lights and Union flag tail-lights and, on certain models, a sportier suspension lowered by 10mm is available. There’s also the option of adaptive dampers (£700), which can be toggled between firmer and softer settings.

Standard equipment on this Exclusive model includes 18-inch alloys, leather seats, cruise control, LED lights, sat-nav and AEB, but as with most MINIs, many key options come as part of extra packs. Our car had the Comfort Plus pack (£1,600), which adds heated seats, an armrest, parking sensors, a reversing camera and auto-dimming mirrors.

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All of this kit is integrated into a well finished and upmarket cabin. The quality of the materials inside is high, with any cheaper parts hidden away, and the large infotainment screen means it can keep up with rivals when it comes to technology.

Driving

The MINI’s engine is smaller than the Mazda’s 2.0-litre unit, but because it’s turbocharged it beats the Japanese car on power and torque. It has 134bhp and 220Nm, while the 3 has 120bhp and 213Nm, but it’s not just about numbers: the delivery is different, too.

The Clubman’s engine brings maximum torque at 1,480rpm, while the Mazda’s arrives at 4,000rpm. That means you don’t have to rev the MINI’s engine as hard to make similar progress, which improves refinement and gives a greater sense of speed. While this is welcome most of the time, it’s not as satisfying or as fun to use as the revvier Mazda.

Still, performance is good, especially in-gear. The Clubman went from 30-50mph in third and fourth in 3.9 and 5.0 seconds respectively, which was ahead of the Mazda’s 5.3 and 7.1-second times in the same tests. Similarly, the MINI accelerated from 50-70mph in fifth and sixth in 7.3 and 9.6 seconds respectively, beating the Mazda’s 9.5 and 13.8-second results.

It should be noted that our figures for the Mazda are for a manual model, because an automatic wasn’t available for us at the time, but we expect the main takeaway to be the same: the 3’s naturally-aspirated engine isn’t able to provide the in-gear punch of the MINI’s turbocharged unit.

Performance is only one part of the driving experience, and these two rivals are very closely matched when it comes to ride and handling. Both cars are fantastic to drive, and the Clubman’s quick steering and grippy chassis mean it’s a lot of fun. It has a great driving position too, and the auto gearbox is smooth and easy to use.

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Plus, the MINI’s ride quality is good, matching the Mazda 3 here. It doesn’t glide over bumps in town, because it’s a little on the firm side, but the benefits outweigh the slight discomfort at low speed: the Clubman rides smoothly once you’re up to speed, keeping most under control. This also helps add confidence on country roads, where the Clubman keeps its composure through bumpy corners.

Practicality

While the Clubman isn’t as spacious as some of the bigger cars in this class, such as the Honda Civic or Renault Mégane, many buyers won’t mind because of the MINI’s focus on style; just like with the Mazda 3. Still, the MINI’s 360-litre boot is enough to make it the more spacious car here, nine litres up on its Japanese rival.

The boot doors are a unique aspect of the Clubman, and while they’re a talking point, we’re not sure of their practical use. The opening is restricted because of the car’s extended roof, and the way the doors open means you must stop much farther away from any walls or other vehicles in a car park if you want to get shopping in. You also have to open and close the doors in order –they don’t open independently of each other.

Ownership

An 18th place in our Driver Power 2019 satisfaction survey was a poor result for the British brand, especially because Mazda was ranked fourth, a very strong finish.

But the Clubman’s safety credentials are strong, because it has eight airbags and AEB. Parking sensors and a reversing camera are only available as part of expensive option packs, though, and lane-keep assist and blind-spot assist aren’t available at all, yet they’re both standard on the Mazda 3 in GT Sport trim.

Running costs

Our experts predict the Clubman will retain 40.9 per cent of its list price and the Mazda 3 44.7 per cent after three years or 36,000 miles. That means the MINI will lose £15,632, and be worth £10,818, while the Mazda will shed £14,320 and drop to £11,575.

Testers’ notes: “The Clubman has significantly more room in the back than a MINI hatch, but it’s still a bit cramped for adults. The Mazda is roomier in the rear. It does feel a little tight due to the styling, though.”

Mazda 3

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Model:	Mazda 3 2.0 SkyActiv-G GT Sport Auto
Price:	£25,895
Engine:	2.0-litre 4cyl petrol, 120bhp
0-60mph:	9.1 seconds
Test economy:	41.4mpg/9.1mpl
CO2:	128g/km
Annual road tax:	£145

There are two petrol engines in the Mazda 3, a clever new SkyActiv-X unit and a mild-hybrid-equipped 2.0-litre petrol. It’s the latter we are testing here, and as a GT Sport auto, it costs from £25,895.