2009 Mini Clubman

By Benjamin Cyr

More versatility, always pleasant

Who would have believed seeing a Mini Cooper wagon on the road? Surely, not me. Furthermore, I was less than thrilled with the design after glancing at a photo of this Mini Cooper. Your perception, however, often changes when you’re faced with the vehicle. This new Mini Cooper Clubman turned me around to the point where I am heaping praise on this oddity.

Four adults! No kidding?

Speaking of praise, it certainly is no easy feat to fit four adults comfortably in a Mini Cooper. The designers of this Clubman version swear by this new versatility which allows a pleasant ride for four. I’ll give you my opinion forthwith: mission accomplished. It’s impressive that an extra 7cm added to the wheelbase could significantly modify interior space. Access to rear seating needs a little work but due to a small door that opens away from the passenger side, most will make it. Once seated, you will surely be impressed by the head clearance, as for the leg room, but a passing grade. That being said, four adults can travel without any discomfort. A bit of advice: travel light. Although the cargo space has been expanded, the 260 litres will rapidly be taken up. The only real problem originates with the rigid suspension, which transmits the road surface’s every imperfection. Less obvious in the basic model but trying out the S version with a sport suspension and 17 inch rims, we were literally ‘quite shaken up’.

Driving pleasure remains

With an extra 100kg and a wider wheel base, I worried about a negative impact on the Mini’s handling; I was glad to be wrong. The Clubman matches the other Minis in agility and ride satisfaction. The precise handling still makes you feel like you’re driving a kart. The basic version’s acceleration (118hp) does not impress but the Cooper S sporting a turbo engine provides a special experience. Not the fastest vehicle on the market, the 172hp and especially the 177lb-ft of torque which kicks in at 1600rpm permits sustained accelerations. In addition, the long gear strokes of this six-speed manual work well with the low gear torque, resulting in less shifting.

Road-test likes:

• the 1.6 litre turbo compressed engine’s impressive torque;
• the excellent fuel economy even with performance of the Cooper S;
• the unique and refreshing design;
• the expanding versatility;
• the no-nonsense road hugging;
• the ever-present driving pleasure.