The included central command interface is based on the iDrive system used by Mini’s parent company, BMW, and it allows quick access to numerous vehicle functions once drivers figure it out. There’s also a USB slot to accept a portable drive filled with your favourite tuneage—though the stereo system’s performance was adequate at best.
The climate control console mimics the shape of the Mini logo, and all switches, even for the locks and windows, are, strangely, centrally mounted and use quirky aviation-style toggles. Mood lighting was on board too, allowing drivers to select their favourite background colour after dark.
Oh, and of course, the speedometer, is centrally-mounted to the dash, and sized similarly to a trash-can lid. Added up, it’s all a little strange, youthful and eccentric—but unique and full of character.
1.6 litre of punch
Making the Cooper Clubman’s massive speedometer move was a 1.6 litre, 121 horsepower four-cylinder engine. That’s not a whole whack of juice—but the Mini’s modest size and light weight mean the power doesn’t have much mass to motivate. As a result, I found the Cooper Clubman moved along in something of a hurry when opened up, and proved fun to drive-- especially with the slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox. The easygoing, precise clutch and smooth shifter feel nicely matched to one another, too.
The engine’s a bit noisy, but it loves to be worked hard, and gets the job done. Best of all, the modest power output and light weight mean the Cooper Clubman won’t make your gas money disappear faster than a Spongebob cake at a five year old’s birthday party. Your writer was happy with the tester’s overall winter test average of 7.7L / 100km.
On the road
Other notes from the test-drive?
With snow tires mounted, advanced antilock brakes and a full function stability control system, the Cooper Clubman felt comfortable and stable driven over snowy roads, even at speed.
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| The speedometer is centrally-mounted to the dash, and sized similarly to a trash-can lid. (Photo: Mini) |
The climate control console mimics the shape of the Mini logo, and all switches, even for the locks and windows, are, strangely, centrally mounted and use quirky aviation-style toggles. Mood lighting was on board too, allowing drivers to select their favourite background colour after dark.
Oh, and of course, the speedometer, is centrally-mounted to the dash, and sized similarly to a trash-can lid. Added up, it’s all a little strange, youthful and eccentric—but unique and full of character.
1.6 litre of punch
Making the Cooper Clubman’s massive speedometer move was a 1.6 litre, 121 horsepower four-cylinder engine. That’s not a whole whack of juice—but the Mini’s modest size and light weight mean the power doesn’t have much mass to motivate. As a result, I found the Cooper Clubman moved along in something of a hurry when opened up, and proved fun to drive-- especially with the slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox. The easygoing, precise clutch and smooth shifter feel nicely matched to one another, too.
The engine’s a bit noisy, but it loves to be worked hard, and gets the job done. Best of all, the modest power output and light weight mean the Cooper Clubman won’t make your gas money disappear faster than a Spongebob cake at a five year old’s birthday party. Your writer was happy with the tester’s overall winter test average of 7.7L / 100km.
On the road
Other notes from the test-drive?
With snow tires mounted, advanced antilock brakes and a full function stability control system, the Cooper Clubman felt comfortable and stable driven over snowy roads, even at speed.
 |
| our writer was happy with the tester’s overall winter test average of 7.7L / 100km. (Photo: Chris Koski) |