Twin test: Mini Clubman v Audi A3 Sportback: Can Clubman take the crown from the premium hatchback champ?

The new Mini Clubman is taking on the Audi A3 Sportback

For buyers of premium hatchbacks, the Audi A3 has long been a go-to car. But now it has a new rival, in the shape of the recently launched Mini Clubman.

This is a lot less quirky-for-the-sake-of-it than the old one. It’s a traditional five-door with a far bigger boot, but it still looks Mini-cool.

As tested here, it almost seems to be shadowing the A3. Same sized engine, same kit, almost the same performance and economy, the list goes on.

All of which means nothing if it can’t match its benchmark rival in the areas that matter.

The first of these is in the cabin. The Mini’s styling here is part of what makes it what it is, but it has the quality to match. Alongside it, the A3 is overwhelmingly sensible – but it’s overwhelmingly well made, too, with top-drawer trim materials.

Mini Clubman 2.0 Cooper D Media Pack

Engine size: 2.0-litre, diesel
Price from: £23,255
Power: 148bhp
Torque: 243lb ft
0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
Top speed: 132mph
Fuel economy: 51.1mpg (True MPG)
CO2: 109g/km

Neither car will let you down when it comes to seating space, either in the front or back. In terms of cargo, though, the Audi takes it – the new Clubman is far better than the last here, but the A3 gives you a better blend of outright capacity and access through the rear.

What about fun on the road? This is, after all, where Minis made their name.

The Clubman is definitely entertaining, with a kind of go-kart vibe to it compared to the A3’s gentler ride. That’s fine, but the result is that the Audi can be driven faster – it doesn’t fidget on the road as you push it into corners, meaning it stays composed while the Mini is skitting around and, as a result, going into understeer. The A3’s gearchange is slicker, too.

Predictably, these differences between the ways the cars are set up means the Audi is far better for a relaxed journey, humming along quietly while the Mini’s over-eager suspension is letting you know about every bump it meets.

Audi A3 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technik

Engine size: 2.0-litre, diesel
Price from: £23,835
Power: 148bhp
Torque: 251lb ft
0-60mph: 7.9 seconds
Top speed: 135mph
Fuel economy: 51.2mpg (True MPG)
CO2: 108g/km

Not that the Clubman is tedious on a motorway cruise. It’s just that the A3 is better.

It steers and brakes with greater feel and precision, too, and it’s usefully faster from 0-62.

Add in lower running costs and a better retained value, and despite a slightly higher list price the Audi is actually the cheaper car to buy and own. So despite the obvious improvement Mini has wrought in the Clubman, it’s a bit of a one-horse race. Not by all that great a distance, but there’s a clear winner.

The Mini’s fun and funky character is beguiling, certainly, and if you like its image enough to buy one then buy one you should. More or less everything else, however, says the A3 retains its crown.