2008 MINI Clubman

From the nose to the B-pillar, Clubman's cabin largely mirrors that of the MINI hardtop. Redesigned in 2007, this is the second-generation take on one of autodom's most entertaining interiors. The centerpiece of the pinball wizard dashboard is the pie plate-sized speedometer. The size and front-and-center location make it easy for all passengers to see—which may not be a plus, depending on your choice of passengers. The tach is mounted atop the steering column, and includes a small, digital speed readout. On the center stack, it's sound system controls above, HVAC below. MINI's seats are supportive and comfortable, and the inside ergonomics are right on. The mix of textures and finishes (coupled with an extensive option list) make it pretty well impossible to end up with a boring interior. The dings on the cabin design are the location of power window and door lock toggles (can be blocked by tall drinks in the cup holders), a set of too-narrow sun visors, the lack of inside arm rests on the front seats and little center console storage.

Performance

Powertrain choices for Clubman carry over from other MINIs. Base models ($20,600) feature a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder (118 hp/114 lb.-ft. of torque), while S models ($24,100) sport a turbocharged version of the same 1.6, worth 172 hp, 177 lb.-ft. of torque. Both motors are linked to a six-speed Getrag manual transmission or optional, Aisin six-speed automatic with wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The base, 1.6 is a high winder, with ample power as you stretch out the RPM with the six-speed stick. MINI quotes a 0-60 mph time of 8.9 seconds; .4 seconds behind the standard MINI. Getting there is half the fun. The shifter works crisply from gear to gear as the engine unwinds and pulls to redline. The S model's 1.6 turbo is downright fast; coming off the line quickly and rolling briskly through the broad powerband. The turbo motor's comfortable surplus of power allows it to work at lower revs to good effect. The trip from 0-60 takes 7 seconds, which is .3 slower than the hardtop S. Like the manual, gearing on the six-speed automatic is well spaced to keep the engine on the boil. Both motors know how to nurse a pint of petrol. According to EPA estimates, you can expect 28 mpg city, 37 highway for the 1.6, 26/34 for the turbo S.


Powertrains aside, the layout remains the same. Wheels are pulled to the corners, for a stable platform. Suspension is four-wheel independent, with MacPherson-type struts up front and a five-link central arm setup in back. Run flat tires (16-inch) are standard on S models, and they ride a little harder than conventional tread. Clubman is every bit the blast to drive that the hardtops models are. Handling is still go-cart crisp and direct, even with stock suspension. S models show some torque steer under hard acceleration. Steering feel and response are excellent, especially in base Cooper models.

Inside Story

Tinkering with the fun/functional formula can be tricky business, but MINI seems to have handled it masterfully. While a skosh less sporty than the smaller hardtops, the Clubman's gains in size and weight (177 lb.) do little to dilute the car's core fun factor. And, the subtractions are more than balanced by the additions. The Clubman's smoother ride and increased rear seat and cargo room will allow thousands of new buyers to consider a car that they previously had to dismiss as too small. When it comes to MINIs, it's clear that bigger is better. And, the new Clubman is definitely less MINI. Or is that more? (www.miniusa.com)