FEATURES | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Check too many options and the Mini's price can raise quickly from economy-entry to near-luxury levels, but all Minis are well equipped for what you pay.
MyRide
There are a range of new interior trimmings, including a cloth/leather upholstery combination, the addition of the Polar Beige interior color, and several new accent designs.
Car and Driver
Mini is one of the few non-exotic brands that offers extensive customization options.
Edmunds
The Clubman had a reasonable amount of gadgets, from the Bluetooth synchronization to the color-selectable interior mood lighting. Dual glove boxes and plenty of cup holders offered enough storage for anything you might need to carry.
Jalopnik
One of the particularly welcome options on the JCW is the heated seat package, which came in handy on a couple of 17-degree mornings.
Autoblog
Standard equipment on all Clubmans includes vinyl upholstery; a trip computer; ambient lighting; and an AM/FM CD audio system with auxiliary input. A round key fob takes the place of the standard key and doubles as the keyless entry system.
If you're looking to upgrade your Clubman, the options are nearly endless: American or British flag emblems for the roof complement plain white or other custom colors; painted wheels are available; as are white-capped mirrors, chrome and color choices for interior trim and panels, and a wide range of sizes and styles of alloy wheels.
A roof rack, sunroof, and rear roof spoiler further accent the top of the car. Inside, Bluetooth, iPod/USB connections, navigation with real-time traffic, and much more can be had. MINI Connected offers apps compatibility and deeper smartphone integration.
With all of these features and extras available, it's easy to see how the price of a new Clubman, outfitted to top spec, can easily exceed the $40,000 mark.
Conclusion
The 2012 MINI Clubman is almost infinitely configurable, and offers a wide array of the latest modern conveniences, but beware the bottom line when ticking options boxes.
