I don’t plan on trying any of the stunts from the movie. Don’t get me wrong, I will throw it around a few corners and open it up a bit on the highway. But my real test will be to see how much of a difference 10 inches really makes.
Most of us already know that this little car with 121 horsepower drives like a go-kart. The 6-speed manual matched to the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine proves that you don’t need a tonne of power to have fun behind the wheel. Very happy at highway speeds, planted in corners and responsive steering feel; this car has all the qualities of its shorter sibling.
Less than a foot makes a big difference when you look at this MINI from the side. Honestly, I think it looses some of its cuteness.
On the passenger side of the Cooper Clubman is what MINI calls the Clubdoor. It is basically a suicide door that opens against the direction of traffic and allow for easier access into the back row. One complaint is that the Clubdoor is ONLY on the passenger side—anyone sitting in the back seat behind the driver will still have a struggle to get back there. And honestly, the car is so low to the ground, anyone sitting in the back will have to crawl inside to get comfortable.
In the back seat, the extra length does make a bit of a difference. The roof is still low, but at least people close to 6 feet will not have their knees around their heads. Kids will be more than happy to spend several hours back there. A child seat—two, even—will fit perfectly.
The seat behind the steering wheel is very comfortable. It offers lots of support and the wheel is nicely-shaped in my hands. I have never been a fan of the interior, though. The designers really put focus on styling and being unique, and have succeeded; nothing else really compares, except maybe the new Fiat.
There is a huge round speedometer in the centre dash, but it is really kind of useless as there is a small digital readout right in front of the driver. I don’t think I glanced at the round one at all. Unfortunately, the design might appear very attractive to some buyers, but several buttons and knobs are not placed in a very user-friendly location. The sunroof and power window buttons, to name a few. The fit and finish is top-notch and soft touch materials are everywhere.
Most of us already know that this little car with 121 horsepower drives like a go-kart. The 6-speed manual matched to the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine proves that you don’t need a tonne of power to have fun behind the wheel. Very happy at highway speeds, planted in corners and responsive steering feel; this car has all the qualities of its shorter sibling.
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| Most of us already know that this little car with 121 horsepower drives like a go-kart. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Less than a foot makes a big difference when you look at this MINI from the side. Honestly, I think it looses some of its cuteness.
On the passenger side of the Cooper Clubman is what MINI calls the Clubdoor. It is basically a suicide door that opens against the direction of traffic and allow for easier access into the back row. One complaint is that the Clubdoor is ONLY on the passenger side—anyone sitting in the back seat behind the driver will still have a struggle to get back there. And honestly, the car is so low to the ground, anyone sitting in the back will have to crawl inside to get comfortable.
In the back seat, the extra length does make a bit of a difference. The roof is still low, but at least people close to 6 feet will not have their knees around their heads. Kids will be more than happy to spend several hours back there. A child seat—two, even—will fit perfectly.
The seat behind the steering wheel is very comfortable. It offers lots of support and the wheel is nicely-shaped in my hands. I have never been a fan of the interior, though. The designers really put focus on styling and being unique, and have succeeded; nothing else really compares, except maybe the new Fiat.
There is a huge round speedometer in the centre dash, but it is really kind of useless as there is a small digital readout right in front of the driver. I don’t think I glanced at the round one at all. Unfortunately, the design might appear very attractive to some buyers, but several buttons and knobs are not placed in a very user-friendly location. The sunroof and power window buttons, to name a few. The fit and finish is top-notch and soft touch materials are everywhere.
 |
| There is a huge round speedometer in the centre dash, but it is really kind of useless as there is a small digital readout right in front of the driver. (Photo: Lacey Elliott/Auto123.com) |