2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman Review (video)

The Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S deliver roller-blade handling and a smashing sense of style- though no one's ever been too nuts about the rear-seat room or storage space. Coopers excel as affordable, economical machines that are hazardously fun to drive- but they can fall short if owners want to take them camping, skiing, or to Ikea.

Coopers excel as affordable, economical machines that are hazardously fun to drive.

A Stretch Mini?
Mini has addressed these concerns, and the new 'Clubman' designated cars are now available- in standard or turbocharged 'S' models. They combine the brand's visual gawk-factor with a 24-centimetre wheelbase implant for more room and utility. The up-sizing doesn't make it any less a Mini, either- as larger models like the Mini Traveler and Austin Mini Countryman were produced in the past.

A hidden suicide door on the passenger side allows access to the two rear seats, and a barn-door setup in the back opens onto the expanded cargo area. It's no Mazdaspeed 3 in terms of storage, but the extra room is welcome- especially if your rear-seat passengers have graduated pre-school.

Surprisingly roomy
You mightn't expect the interior to be as open and roomy as it is, but taller occupants can stretch out if no one's sitting behind them, and two full grown adults can sit behind one another in reasonable comfort too. There's a cupholder or two in the back as well, and the dual-pane sunroof lets the rays in on both rows of seats. The added access and comfortable seating space can certainly make the Clubman easier to live with.

Performance for hooligans
Don't let that innocent baby-face or the added sensibility of a wheelbase extension fool you. The 'S' designated Clubman has pure evil on its mind- and may coax heavy-footed driving out of those weak in the flesh.

The barn-door setup in the back opens onto the expanded cargo area.