BMW Sporty Clubman Cooper

The Clubman Cooper D’s driving enjoyment and performance are first rate. As with petrol versions of the sporty Clubman, it has precise steering, great body control and bags of character.

Whereas many manufacturers dress up eco brands with specific badges and bonnets, BMW prefers instead to spread its plant-friendly technology across its entire range. Features include a regenerative braking function, which uses brake energy to recharge a hi-tech battery via the alternator, which results in less engine drag. The MINI is even more economical than conventional diesel superminis – ‘green’ competition instead comes from the SEAT Ibiza ECOmotive, Polo Bluemotion and Skoda Fabia GreenLine.

The benefit of the Clubman is that extra rear door, opening onto a roomier rear cabin, while the twin rear doors reveal a larger boot than the standard hatch, too. Test model averaged 57mpg – an excellent result, and better even than the Polo Bluemotion and SEAT Ibiza ECOmotive. Retained vales are also excellent.