Knowing that our Mini Clubman’s regular keeper, Stan Papior, would sooner treat his iPhone to a hilarious comedy case than download an app to it that he wasn’t sure he’d need, I thought I’d take an opportunity to run through the various added-connectivity options that you can use with the car.
To my mind, they’re one of the better ways that the Clubman justifies its premium status. Our test car is fitted with the £1010 Media pack, which boosts its infotainment system up to ‘XL’ status and nearly 9.0in of display size, as well as adding wireless smartphone charging and something called Mini Connected XL.
The infotainment system is very good indeed, whether you choose to get involved with the added connectivity options or not. The primary function of the Mini Connected bit is to allow you to plot navigation routes before you get into the car and finish them on foot. Sounds gimmicky, but it’s impressive when the car has already sussed the traffic situation and knows where it’s going as soon as you get in.
Added to that, you can download umpteen online music sharing and streaming apps to use in the car, such as Spotify, Deezer and Napster. There’s an app for Audiobooks, called Audible, which I plan to take advantage of on my next long trip, a GoPro app that can sync up with your dashcam and a Life360 app that’ll track your location for other members of your family.
I may not tell my wife about that last one, but overall I’m not sure how much more ‘connected’ you’d ever want your hatchback to be.
MINI CLUBMAN COOPER D
Price £21,810 Price as tested £29,925 Economy 49.6mpg Faults None Expenses None Last seen 2.11.16
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is this how it justifies its premium status?
Just brushing the surface
Too clever by far for my need.