Nifty rear end
Designers chose to incorporate two side-hinged rear doors instead of a traditional liftgate, thus staying true to the original model. These doors open sequentially (the left one after the right one) and effortlessly thanks to a hydraulic piston. Access to the cargo area is therefore as easy as it gets. Look closer and you'll notice that the taillights are integrated to the body instead of the doors for safety purposes. These taillights automatically spring to life at night. Moreover, each door has its own conveniently-mounted wiper. Sure, the door pillars impede rearward visibility, but you get used to it.
At first glance, it doesn't look like the MINI Clubman is that much roomier. Well, upon closer inspection, I found a secret compartment under the cargo floor to hide valuable items. If you decide to take out the floor panel and cargo cover (which you'll have to store at home) and fold the rear seatbacks down, the available cargo room will increase to 930 liters. MINI also included four tie-down hooks for securing your gear.
Nice interior fit and finish
In my opinion, the quality of the fabrics and leatherettes has been improved. The new materials and color schemes make this car very friendly. Buyers will have a fun time customizing their Clubmans to their liking. The possibilities are mind-boggling; in fact, you could probably create a unique model that no one else will have. I also liked the new storage pockets and conveniently-located cupholders in the back.
More room and versatility
My wife and I fell in love with the Cooper, but like many, we found the rear passenger compartment too limited and hard to access. The new Clubman is the answer we were looking for -- an interesting, legitimate alternative for those wanting to own a second car. That being said, it could just as easily serve as a primary vehicle, considering its newly-acquired qualities. I wouldn't be ashamed to ask my friends to sit in the back. I could also run my errands and get away with my wife and a sizeable amount of luggage. Of course, we're far from a big wagon, but the Clubman is nonetheless very resourceful and versatile.
What about the price?
The 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman is what some would call a "niche" vehicle. It has a certain prestige that makes it stand out above any other compact. The sportier Cooper S Clubman retails for $31,500, while the base Cooper Clubman (with manual transmission) starts at $26,400. As a highly fuel-efficient vehicle, the latter is also eligible to a $1,000 rebate as part of the federal government's ecoAuto program.
More passenger and cargo room
Great handling
Fuel economy (base model)
Sporty dynamics (S model)
Storing the cargo floor panel
Manipulating and storing the cargo cover
Understeer on slippery surfaces
Price (S model)
None
photo:Amyot Bachand, BMW
Designers chose to incorporate two side-hinged rear doors instead of a traditional liftgate, thus staying true to the original model. These doors open sequentially (the left one after the right one) and effortlessly thanks to a hydraulic piston. Access to the cargo area is therefore as easy as it gets. Look closer and you'll notice that the taillights are integrated to the body instead of the doors for safety purposes. These taillights automatically spring to life at night. Moreover, each door has its own conveniently-mounted wiper. Sure, the door pillars impede rearward visibility, but you get used to it.
At first glance, it doesn't look like the MINI Clubman is that much roomier. Well, upon closer inspection, I found a secret compartment under the cargo floor to hide valuable items. If you decide to take out the floor panel and cargo cover (which you'll have to store at home) and fold the rear seatbacks down, the available cargo room will increase to 930 liters. MINI also included four tie-down hooks for securing your gear.
 |
| The second door on the passenger's side, which opens backwards, allows easier access to the rear seats. |
Nice interior fit and finish
In my opinion, the quality of the fabrics and leatherettes has been improved. The new materials and color schemes make this car very friendly. Buyers will have a fun time customizing their Clubmans to their liking. The possibilities are mind-boggling; in fact, you could probably create a unique model that no one else will have. I also liked the new storage pockets and conveniently-located cupholders in the back.
More room and versatility
My wife and I fell in love with the Cooper, but like many, we found the rear passenger compartment too limited and hard to access. The new Clubman is the answer we were looking for -- an interesting, legitimate alternative for those wanting to own a second car. That being said, it could just as easily serve as a primary vehicle, considering its newly-acquired qualities. I wouldn't be ashamed to ask my friends to sit in the back. I could also run my errands and get away with my wife and a sizeable amount of luggage. Of course, we're far from a big wagon, but the Clubman is nonetheless very resourceful and versatile.
What about the price?
The 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman is what some would call a "niche" vehicle. It has a certain prestige that makes it stand out above any other compact. The sportier Cooper S Clubman retails for $31,500, while the base Cooper Clubman (with manual transmission) starts at $26,400. As a highly fuel-efficient vehicle, the latter is also eligible to a $1,000 rebate as part of the federal government's ecoAuto program.
 |
Great handling
Fuel economy (base model)
Sporty dynamics (S model)
 |
Manipulating and storing the cargo cover
Understeer on slippery surfaces
Price (S model)
 |
None
photo:Amyot Bachand, BMW
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