2009 MINI Cooper Clubman
by Jim Prueter -06/2009

MINI to the Max

We’ve always had a soft spot for the MINI, from the first time we drove and tested it a few years ago. It’s so cute and so much fun it’s easy to overlook the few gripes you might otherwise have about the car.

The retro styled MINI was given an update in 2007, although you’d have to park it side by side with the first generation MINI to tell the difference. At that time, the folks at MINI promised a better convertible and a stretched model — the Clubman, a name taken from the original MINI Clubman Estate.

BMW, owner of the MINI, says the Clubman paves MINI’s way into a totally new market segment. MINI even has a SUV version in the works as a future model.

As promised, MINI introduced the Clubman for 2008, a stretched, station wagon-like version of the MINI sedan that’s 9.5 inches longer overall, with a three-inch longer wheelbase and a most welcome three inches more legroom in the back seat.

Add a small, reverse-opening third door on the passenger side for rear-seat access and it’s like an entirely different car. While it still can’t be considered a family car, there’s more room than you think and it looks terrific, drives even better.

Around back there’s dual opening rear “barn doors” rather than a single liftgate. They pop open with the help of pressurized shocks. There isn’t much more cargo space until you look under the cargo floor to find a generous sized bin that’s ideal for storing packages or the rear head restraints to improve visibility.

The Clubman comes in two models, with a starting price of $20,850 for the base 118-horsepower model and an extra $3500 for the 172-horsepower turbocharged S model. An even more powerful 208-horsepower Cooper Works Clubman is available with a starting price of $31,450.

We tested the Clubman S with a six-speed manual shifter that delivered more than enough power and performance. Overall average gas mileage drops from 28 to 26 miles per gallon, but still, we think it’s worth having the extra horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Like all MINIs the ride quality is just so-so and you’ll definitely feel more road imperfections than in most other vehicles. The trade-off for go-kart like handling, steering precision on twisty roads, ease of parking and overall driving “fun factor” is more than worth it.

Aside from the larger and distinctive exterior is the much improved and eclectic interior. Most noticeable is the huge — and we do mean huge — serving-platter-sized speedometer prominently located in the middle of the dash. The alarm-clock size tachometer mounted on the steering column is a carryover from the previous generation, as are dash-mounted toggle switches that operate the power windows and door locks, each individually separated by a small curved railing.

Front seats remain comfortable with an incredible amount of legroom. However, the seat adjustments are hard to use because of their awkward placement. Even this too-tall driver had to move the seat up a notch for driving comfort.

Standard safety gear includes four-wheel disc-antilock brakes with excellent feel and stopping distance. Dual front and front side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats are included. Electronic stability control and traction control are also standard. The Clubman has not been crash tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Standard equipment includes power windows, door locks and mirrors, keyless entry with push-button starter, air conditioning and a six-speaker CD stereo with MP3 jack. Our tester included the dual pane panoramic sunroof, upgraded wheels and leather upholstery.

Overall the Clubman is a blast to drive and the added room is noticeably beneficial. MINI resale value has been nothing short of spectacular, ranking right up there with Porsche as the top vehicle for holding its value. What’s more, Consumer Reports gives the MINI top scores for reliability and owner satisfaction.