Mini One Clubman to launch at Geneva

The Mini story continues, with the announcement that a new entry-level Clubman, the Mini One Clubman, is to launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Mini One Clubman comes with the same 1.4 litre engine as the Mini One, producing 95bhp and boasting the same suspension set-up as the Mini Coopers, which at least means the new Clubman One should be fun to throw around.

Mini One Clubman to launch at Geneva in March

The Clubman gets a pretty decent set of eco-credentials, offering Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Stop Start and Shift Point Display as standard. To keep things a bit more civilised the Clubman, along with the entire Mini range, also receives AirCon as standard. It comes with a 6-speed manual ‘box as standard, with an auto option (don’t tick that box, for goodness sake!). This lot adds up to some 52mpg and a decently low Co2 of 130g/km, sticking the One Clubman in the £35 Car Tax Band.

List price for the Mini One Clubman is £13,290 on the road. For the first time you’ll also be able to have a black or sliver car without the daft different coloured C-pillars, which is a refreshing option (although someone must like them).

The Mini is still a force to be reckoned with, and there seems to be a model to suit everyone. But their success is fast becoming their Achilles heel, so ubiquitous have they become. It’s also arguable that there are now better cars in the sector. The new Ford KA is a strong contender, although there will be even more of those than Minis, and the Fiat 500 is a good drive, but a bit too ‘cutesy’. A fun option would be the new Alfa Romeo MiTo, which we reviewed recently and would definitely be the choice if you wanted even more badge appeal than the Mini offers and a better drive.