Mini isn't so Mini anymore!

They say that good things come in small packages and the Mini Cooper has truly proven that statement. But what happens when that small package just can't reach high enough to get a dish or cup off the upper shelf? That has kind of been the issue with the Mini , not so much as reaching for the shelf, but where is the shelf to put your paraphernalia on? There isn't much storage capacity in a Mini Cooper and that's where the Mini Cooper Clubman comes to the rescue!

I have loved the Mini Cooper since BMW brought it back to life in 2002. BMW merged the classic elements of the Mini with the upscale fun-to-drive character that BMW represents. BMW re-launched the Mini brand as a fuel efficient, sporty and reasonably priced premium subcompact. Despite getting great reviews for handling, its only downfall was lack of cargo space. With the introduction of the Clubman, the Mini Cooper now has more room to enjoy the driving experience with your family and friends.

The Clubman is 9.4 inches longer than the standard Mini Cooper and has a wheelbase that is 3.1-inches longer. The extra length is transferred into additional rear seat and cargo space. The rear seats fold down to create an expanded cargo area.  To access the rear there are a pair of split rear doors.

Similar to the standard Mini Cooper, the Clubman comes in three models, Mini Cooper Clubman ($20,600), Mini Cooper S Clubman ($24,100) and the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman ($30,800). A Premium package ($1500) and Sport package ($1500) are also available.

Here's a little history on the Mini brand. In 1952, Austin and Morris merged to become the British Motor Company. 1961 brought the introduction of the Austin Mini Cooper and the Morris Mini Cooper. The Mini Clubman followed in 1969. BMW purchased the rights to the Mini brand in 1994 and launched the new Mini Cooper in the U.S.A. in 2002.

The Clubman is almost identical to the Mini Cooper from bumper to bumper. The extra length is broken into two areas, 3.1 inches behind the doors and 6.3 inches behind the rear wheels. A third mini-door called the "Clubdoor" is added to the right side for easy access to the rear seats. To open the "Clubdoor", you must first open the front door. 

If you have ever sat in a Mini Cooper, you are aware that the dash is organized in a very different design from your normal car. The Mini Cooper and the Clubman both have the tachometer mounted to the steering wheel and the speedometer located in the center of the dash. Controls are laid out more for design than function and can make certain routine adjustments awkward. The front seats are comfortable and the bolsters keep you in place, while the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split.

Room for improvement:

      �         Awkward placement of controls.

Fun Features:

�        S model has paddle shifters

�        Two-tone paint with an accent color on the roof.

�        Free Maintenance for first 3 years/36,000 miles.

The Clubman comes with two power-train options. The base engine is a 1.6-liter 118-hp 4-cylinder engine. The S model is equipped with a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter and produces 172-hp. Both motors come standard with a manual 6-speed transmission and an optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.

In Summary: The Clubman adds a lot of value for the $2000 difference in price compared to a standard size Mini Cooper.  I found the extra real estate a must unless you use the Mini as a basic commute car. The Mini Cooper Clubman is also a lot of fun to drive; as you would expect coming from BMW. But in addition to delivering a true driving experience, it does so economically with 23 city mpg and 32 highway mpg.

Specifications

2009 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman

Base price:                   $30,800    as driven: $34,050 (with destination charges)

Engine:                         1.6-liter 4 cylinder turbocharged

Horsepower:                172 @ 5500 rpm

Torque:                        177 pound-feet @ 1600-5000 rpm

Transmission:                Six-speed manual

Drive:                           Front-Wheel-Drive

Seating:                        4-passenger

Turning circle:               36.1 feet

Cargo space:                32.8 cubic feet

Curb weight:                2855 pounds

Fuel capacity:              13.2 gallons

EPA mileage:               32 highway, 23 city

Wheel Base:                100.3 inches

Warranty:                     4 years/50,000 miles

Also consider:             Volvo C30 T5, Mitsubishi Eclipse GS

Future changes:           Possible restyle in 2010