Mini is not just a car, it is an object of worship, outrageousness, and at the same time a challenge to others. No, it cannot be compared to that little dog that tries to make itself known with a frantic bark. This car does not need to attract attention — passersby already turn around to once again admire its recognizable body, its funny "face" with round headlights, and its unusual red-and-black paint with contrasting stripes on the hood. And at the same time, everyone involuntarily smiles. This car is a generator of positivity. It is like a participant in a game where both sides benefit. You drive it, putting it on public display like a curious beast: you surprise the audience with non-standard rear doors that open sideways and an "appendix" attachment on the right side, through which not only a contortionist gymnast but also an ordinary passenger can get into the second row. In response, the car also starts playing with you. The first entertainment is "find the right window switch by touch." You try to blindly feel for the button, turning on the front or rear fog lights, and in the end, you either run your fingers across the entire row of keys several times or get distracted from the road. The next contest is "guess the speed." Keeping an eye on the speedometer needle, which is located in a huge "well" in the center of the dashboard, is not for the faint of heart. But Mini does not let up, shifting our attention to the "wipers." They work instantly, but the mode is never the one you need. You spend about ten seconds to select the right one. The weather changes — the procedure repeats. And then it takes another five seconds to turn them off! Decided to listen to music from a disc? Then you will first have to remove the decorative panel with the audio system control knobs, and only then insert the disc. And it is impossible to guess this the first time. Funny, isn't it? The playful atmosphere is complemented by funny sound signals, for example, warning about low fuel or open doors. If you were a fan of the Dendy console as a child, you will definitely like this. The feeling of gamer excitement is also supported by the point lighting of the interior, which changes color. Want it to become purple? Then you will have to press a toggle switch similar to those that control the power windows. True, it is located on the ceiling, next to the sunroof opening button. It is inconvenient, strange, and impractical, but the smile does not leave your face. You look out the window — and everyone around is laughing, someone even gives a thumbs up. Yes, the car is small, yes, it costs a million, but the emotions are through the roof! And who said it is small? Why then does the Clubman version exist with an addition to the name and an extra 24 centimeters of length? To be fair, it is worth noting that the space behind the front seats has indeed increased. The wheelbase, extended by 8 centimeters, has made the rear row quite suitable for sitting. But first — the game again. Now we assemble the "pyramid." First, we open the front door, then that very small Clubdoor section, then we move aside the seat belt, which dangles right in the opening, and only then can you plop down on the seat designed for two. That's it, I'm "home"! Cozy. There is no particular spaciousness, but your knees no longer serve as sound insulation, pressing against the backs of the front seats as in the regular short-wheelbase Mini. Hint: the ride with getting into the Clubman will become even more interesting if there are four passengers. Three will have to get inside strictly one by one. And passersby will smile again, watching this action. A toy is a toy, but under the body there is an engine, pedals, wheels, and a six-speed automatic transmission. And there is also a younger brother — just Mini, which, despite its playful nature, handles simply magnificently. I get behind the wheel, force myself not to be distracted by all these flirtations. I let the car know: enough laughing, it's time to test it in action. The excellent seat immediately picks up my mood, tightly hugging the body with a perfectly calibrated profile. I insert the key-washer into the special slot, press the engine start button. With a short beep, Mini seems to quiet down — apparently, it noticed my serious face in the mirror. The "automatic" lever — into Drive, let's go! Unfortunately, we did not race off, but simply drove off. The younger Cooper version with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine and 120 horsepower has a rather calm disposition. And the gearbox does not support my aspirations — it shifts smoothly even when the gas pedal is floored. Maybe sport mode will change something? It got better, but not significantly. The "automatic" holds gears more willingly, and responses to the gas pedal become sharper. But these are just echoes of the "hurricane" named Cooper S. Without a turbo and, accordingly, without the extra 55 horsepower, the Clubman has become more sedate. It's good that the suspension has retained its magnificent character! That very notorious "go-kart feel" of Mini has not gone anywhere. Of course, the Clubman, thanks to its extended wheelbase, has become more comfortable. It no longer bounces on every little bump, but it still remains one of the sharpest-handling cars. And then I realized: this provocateur is starting a game with me again, but at a more serious, adult level. In every corner, it taunts: "Come on, push it, don't be afraid, I can do even more!" And I get fired up again, and again — fun! It's good that the speed in corners is not visible, otherwise it would be scary. Lateral G-forces are enormous, body roll is non-existent as a concept, and the tires don't even squeak! And I imagine its "face" at this moment breaking into a smile. I rejoice along with it! A great toy! Moreover, the difficulty level can be increased — from simple, with finding the right toggle switch, to complex — racing. Perhaps, for a small car, the price seems inflated. But what is money when the soul sings and the heart skips a beat in anticipation of the next turn? Play, have fun, and enjoy! Historical background The Clubman modification did not appear out of nowhere. In the 1960s, the legendary old Mini also had extended versions — the Mini Clubman Estate, Morris Mini Traveller, and Austin Mini Countryman. By the way, their bodies were longer than the short-wheelbase ones by almost the same amount as now — 10 inches! The Morris and Austin were distinguished by special external wooden trim on the rear part. Long Minis were produced until 1982.