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Preview: Not-So-Mini Clubman Aug. 5, 2007 ) The Clubman expands on an already good thing. Click on images for larger views.
Then your ride is here with the new stretched Clubman. Compared to the regular Mini coupe, the Clubman is a good 9.6 inches longer. A 3.2-inch longer wheelbase translates into an equal increase in rear leg room — making the back seats much more accommodating. To access this newfound space, a small third door has been added to the right side of the car. It swings open in the opposite direction of the main door, which must be opened first (see photo below). With no B-pillar, this provides a large opening for easily getting in and out. Cargo space is also up — from 5.7 cubic feet in the regular Mini to 9.2 in the Clubman. Fold down the back seats for 32.8 cubic feet, which is up from 24. Instead of the typical liftgate at the back, the Clubman gets two split side-hinged doors, each with its own cute little wiper, that open very wide to swallow lots of different stuff. The split doors create a split rear view in the mirror but probably nothing too severe. ) Two side doors — with no bisecting B-pillar — make getting in and out of the Clubman easy.
At the sides and bottom of the cargo doors is a thick band of contrasting silver or black that matches the roof and mirror caps. The roof and mirror caps can also be had in body color, however, a white roof and mirror caps are not available like on the regular Mini. Two subtle bulges run along the roof on each side, mimicking roof rails although we're not sure how functional they are, if at all. The dual tailpipes are separated, one at each side. Mini's two 16-valve 1.6-liter four-cylinders carry over to the Clubman. The Cooper puts out 120 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 118 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 RPM. The Cooper S is turbocharged with 175 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 177 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 RPM — an overboost function briefly spikes torque to 192 pound-feet.
Power flows to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the latter with manumatic shifting capabilities and steering-wheel paddles. Despite weighing about 175 pounds more, expect similar driving characteristics from the Clubman as the regular Mini — including its trademark go-cart handling. The longer wheelbase should bring a smoother ride. And like all Minis, customers can vastly personalize their Clubmans — by choosing from 12 different body colors, numerous cloth and leather seat options, as well as many interior trim details. Metallic brown paint called Hot Chocolate is unique to this model and sounds delicious. The premium for the more-Mini Clubman is about $2,000 over the regular coupe, which isn't bad at all. The Clubman is the third variant of the Mini, following the coupe and convertible, and is the modern successor to the legendary classics Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman and Mini Clubman Estate sold between 1960 and 1982. The increased passenger and cargo space should help broaden the hip marque's appeal. We hear a Mini Sports Activity Vehicle is coming up next — stay tuned to Autobahn Report for the latest. Also see: Mini Clubman Photos )
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