Great news for rear passengers
Monterey, California.At last, we had the opportunity to test-drive the new MINI Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman which made their Canadian debut at the recent Montreal International Auto Show. This larger, 4-door model retains all the assets of the regular Cooper while actually offering room for four passengers -- finally! The road conditions in Monterey were similar to ours, be it on highways, in the city or on backcountry roads.
No mechanical upgrade
Neither the base nor the S model received mechanical upgrades. You'll find the same powertrains and standard features like ABS brakes and Dynamic Stability Control. Only the wheels have changed: they now measure 17 inches in diameter. Handling is equally impressive: precise, taut and go kart-like.
With the manual transmission, however, the 118-horsepower engine struggles (in Efficient Mode) to provide satisfying passing or hill-climbing power. Activating the Sport Mode is a must, which is done through a push-button near the gear selector. On the other hand, the 172-horsepower Cooper S Clubman has not lost a single ounce of athleticism. (Please refer to our 2007 model road tests for comparisons.)
Every bit as cute
Inspired from the Austin Mini Countryman and Morris Traveller of the 1960s, the new MINI Clubman is quite original, attractive and distinctive. While the front end is identical, the 24-cm longer rear passenger compartment offers 8 centimeters of additional legroom. Meanwhile, the trunk benefits from a lowered cargo floor and accommodates 260 liters of luggage (rear seats up).
In terms of styling, it's the little details that struck me, not only outside but also inside, particularly in the back. BMW lent Rolls-Royce's interior design specialist to MINI for a few months and it clearly shows.
Thirty paint color combinations are now available, including "Hot Chocolate", which suits the car extremely well. What amazed me the most was the new doors. The second door on the passenger's side is very subtle: you can open it by pulling the ergonomically-positioned handle on the inside, just below the windows. At last, it offers easier access for rear passengers, who no longer have to be contortionists to get in and out of the MINI. What's more, the front passenger seat automatically slides forward as soon as you fold the seatback. I spent over an hour on the back seat while one of my colleagues was driving on a tortuous road and I came out with no bruises or cramps. Legroom, back support and cushion padding are all commendable, making for a comfortable experience.
Monterey, California.At last, we had the opportunity to test-drive the new MINI Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman which made their Canadian debut at the recent Montreal International Auto Show. This larger, 4-door model retains all the assets of the regular Cooper while actually offering room for four passengers -- finally! The road conditions in Monterey were similar to ours, be it on highways, in the city or on backcountry roads.
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| The Clubman is just as charming as its 3-door sister. |
No mechanical upgrade
Neither the base nor the S model received mechanical upgrades. You'll find the same powertrains and standard features like ABS brakes and Dynamic Stability Control. Only the wheels have changed: they now measure 17 inches in diameter. Handling is equally impressive: precise, taut and go kart-like.
With the manual transmission, however, the 118-horsepower engine struggles (in Efficient Mode) to provide satisfying passing or hill-climbing power. Activating the Sport Mode is a must, which is done through a push-button near the gear selector. On the other hand, the 172-horsepower Cooper S Clubman has not lost a single ounce of athleticism. (Please refer to our 2007 model road tests for comparisons.)
Every bit as cute
Inspired from the Austin Mini Countryman and Morris Traveller of the 1960s, the new MINI Clubman is quite original, attractive and distinctive. While the front end is identical, the 24-cm longer rear passenger compartment offers 8 centimeters of additional legroom. Meanwhile, the trunk benefits from a lowered cargo floor and accommodates 260 liters of luggage (rear seats up).
In terms of styling, it's the little details that struck me, not only outside but also inside, particularly in the back. BMW lent Rolls-Royce's interior design specialist to MINI for a few months and it clearly shows.
Thirty paint color combinations are now available, including "Hot Chocolate", which suits the car extremely well. What amazed me the most was the new doors. The second door on the passenger's side is very subtle: you can open it by pulling the ergonomically-positioned handle on the inside, just below the windows. At last, it offers easier access for rear passengers, who no longer have to be contortionists to get in and out of the MINI. What's more, the front passenger seat automatically slides forward as soon as you fold the seatback. I spent over an hour on the back seat while one of my colleagues was driving on a tortuous road and I came out with no bruises or cramps. Legroom, back support and cushion padding are all commendable, making for a comfortable experience.
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| The Morris Mini-Traveller Super DeLuxe made its debut in 1962. |