Reviews
2008 MINI Clubman driving

The new Clubman is more MINI. Or is that less?


When the first, new generation MINI launched in 2002, the recipe was written. Take unique, sporty styling, sprinkle in point-and-shoot handling and park-it-anywhere sizing. Add a dash of affordable pricing, and stir things up. That it did, and buyers responded with wallets in hand. The sales success spawned a convertible sidekick (2004), and four years later, Team MINI is still clicking. Last year, MINI sold 42,000 units in the U.S., and 222,000 worldwide.

Clubman S Style
2008 MINI Clubman S

Since its introduction, about the only recurring rap that's been heard about the MINI was that it was too, uh, MINI. Though brimming with character and a blast to drive, many people found it hard to make a business case for buying one, because it just wasn't big enough to be practical. If front passengers were tall, backseat space came up short. And, the pint-sized cargo capacity (5.7 cu. ft.) couldn't hold enough stuff to fit the lifestyles of a good-sized chunk of the car-buying public. So, as popular as it was with buyers, there were still many others who passed on it, with regrets.


Now, MINI responds, with the introduction of the new Clubman. The idea behind the third and latest addition to the lineup is simple. Take the basic Cooper concept, keep the fun factor, and add some functionality. The process involved putting the MINI on the rack and stretching it out a bit. Clubman is 9.4 inches longer than the standard hard top, and 6.3 of those inches can be found in the cargo area. The wheelbase gains 3.1 inches. Now, as any middle-aged person can tell you, it's one thing to add extra inches—quite another to put them where they'll work in your favor. MINI's added length lands right where the original was lightest: backseat and cargo room. The tale of the tape shows that Clubman has 2.4 inches more rear seat legroom than the standard hardtop (32.3 vs. 29.9), and 3.5 inches cubic feet more cargo capacity.

Unique Doors
2008 MINI Clubman suicide door barn door

You access that added space through a trio of unique portals. A pair of barn doors swing wide to the cargo bay while on the passenger side, a rear, half "Clubdoor" allows easier access to the backseat. With the additional legroom, it's now possible to put six footers in both front and back, with some accommodation among riders. Storage space measures a still small but now usable 9.2 cubic feet. It expands to as much as 32.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded, and there's an additional covered storage bin below floor level. Four tie-downs help secure your gear, and a vinyl screen shields contents from inquiring eyes (although a retractable version would be an improvement over the current, fold back design).

Continued on Page 2

Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2009



 


Cooper highlights
Price range: $18,050 - $21,200
Best fuel economy: 28 city / 37 hwy, mpg
Horsepower range: 118 - 172

Cooper prices & specs
Research MINI models
Read MINI blogs
View MINI Forums

Related Articles
2008 Infiniti G37
2008 Audi A5 3.2 quattro
2008 Saturn Astra
2008 BMW M3 Coupe
2008 Audi R8


autoMedia Car Blog
Nissan Back on Track with 2010 Lineup
In the late ‘90s, Nissan brought a handful of automotive journalists into its California headquarters. The company was struggling, and it seemed as ... more...

autoMedia CARnival 11-06-09: This week in Auto Blogs
It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each.SEMA is not quite ov ... more...

Pricing: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi sedan
Suzuki is coming out swinging with its all-new Kizashi sedan, striking at the vital midsized sedan segment. Each Kizashi features all-wheel drive and ... more...


Forum Highlights
Re: Aluminum wheels and a flat tire
I am sure you have your tire changed by now, but this is a common problem when using aluminum wheels.  Once you realize you have a problem, hitti ... more...

Re: Chevy 3.8L Engine cutout
 I would call it in intermediate job.  You will need some special tools to do it, but if you have some experience doing repairs, and not jus ... more...

Re: The correct Voltage/Amps for Horn??
I'm not sure I have ever seen an actual horn go bad.  When they do stop working, it is usually an electrical issue.  You want to make sure i ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!
Zip Code

Used Car Buying Guide


2000-2009 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.