New 2019 MINI Clubman facelift breaks cover at Shanghai

The refreshed version of the MINI Clubman estate has made its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show, sporting a fresh face and more standard kit

MINI has launched a revised version of the Clubman at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show, featuring a subtly-reworked exterior, more standard equipment and a new range of customisation options. The updated model is on sale in the UK now, with prices starting from £21,200. 

Much like the minor redesign bestowed upon the MINI hatch last year, the new Clubman’s facelift is subtle, extending to a fresh set of either 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, a reworked grille, fresh headlights, updated badging and the firm’s oft-mentioned Union Jack-branded LED tail lights. 

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Buyers will also be able to opt for a set of glare-free Matrix LED headlights, which automatically adapt their brightness according to traffic conditions. The lighting upgrade gives drivers increased headlight range (similar to that of conventional high-beam headlights) while avoiding any dazzle effect for oncoming road users.

The facelifted MINI Clubman now comes with more standard equipment, including a 6.5-inch infotainment system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Real Time Traffic Information and MINI’s ‘Excitement’ pack, which adds MINI-branded puddling lights, illuminated door handles and customisable ambient lighting.

Optional extras include larger alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, a premium Harmon Kardon stereo system, a range of John Cooper Works exterior panels, sports seats, a head-up display and the MINI Navigation Plus Pack, with adds a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen display, enhanced Bluetooth and a wireless smartphone charger. 

Three engines will be available from launch, with buyers given the choice of a 134bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol, a 189bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol or a 148bhp four-cylinder diesel. All three engines can be specced with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with the most potent petrol providing a 0–62mph sprint of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 127mph. 

Though this latest change to the MINI line-up looks minor, the brand is gearing up for a big release early in 2020. An all-electric version of the MINI Hatch is on the way, and we’ve been for an early drive.

Do you like the look of the new MINI Clubman? Let us know in the comments below…

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