Mini Clubman S. Maxi Mini

 Mini Clubman S. Price: from 22,500. On sale: since November 2007.

The history of the automotive industry is full of examples where attempts to change a successful body design ended in failure. After all, as you know, good is often spoiled by better. However, every rule has its exceptions. This time we are talking about the Mini, which, thanks to the efforts of designers and engineers, has turned into... a station wagon.

The Mini Clubman resembles a fairy-tale gnome carrying a bag of treasures from a cave. True, unlike in the fairy tale, this “bag” — the luggage compartment — looks quite organic. All thanks to the body extended by 24 cm. The wheelbase has also grown — by 8 cm.

If you consider the new model separately from other cars, it could easily be mistaken for a utilitarian “workhorse,” for example, for delivering bread or mail. This feeling is enhanced by the rear doors that open sideways, like a real “heel.” Let's start with them. According to the design, this solution should simplify loading and unloading, although the Clubman, of course, has no grandiose transport ambitions. The trunk volume is only 260 liters. But compared to the Mini One, whose compartment holds 160 liters, the figure looks excellent. If you fold down the rear seats, the Clubman is ready to accept an impressive 930 liters.

2008 Mini Clubman S
© Photo: BMW Group

To be fair, I note: to the delight of lovers of unconventional solutions, the trunk provides many funny and useful devices. What is just the folding fabric box for transporting small items worth! Five seconds — and the structure is ready, put whatever you want. The transport is finished — folded, and the box is gone. Very convenient.

The second important detail that distinguishes the Mini Clubman is the side doors for rear passengers. They open against the direction of travel. The Japanese used a similar idea on the rotary Mazda RX-8. Looking at the narrow opening, you again remember the gnomes. Can a large adult man really get in there? An investigative experiment showed: he can. True, the cup holder desperately resists penetration into the cabin. But it can be forgiven — a cup holder is a necessary thing.

The change in body shape primarily benefited the rear passengers, who in a regular Mini, frankly, cannot be envied. Now these sufferers got extra, or rather, not at all extra eight centimeters, which will save many kneecaps. Paradoxically, the Clubman has the longest roof among all BMW models.

2008 Mini Clubman S
© Photo: BMW Group

For those accustomed to BMW, everything in the Mini Clubman will be familiar and in its place. The steering column turn signal switches work exactly the same way: press lightly — it will blink three times, press harder — it blinks continuously. This approach saves time during quick lane changes. Usually the driver has to return the lever to its original position, but on the Mini this is not necessary.

The new Mini is equipped with a Start/Stop system, like on modern BMWs, which allows you to start the car with a button. True, unlike its older brother, the chip key here is round. In general, in the Mini, the circle is the main figure. To be convinced, it is enough to take a quick look at the instruments inside or the headlights outside. As for handling, the Clubman has retained the main habits of its predecessor and is very reminiscent of a go-kart. The reaction to turning the steering wheel or pressing the gas pedal is lightning-fast. Moreover, this applies not only to the charged Mini S, but also to the regular version. The front-wheel drive chassis was not borrowed from another car — it was developed specifically for this model.

Under the hood of the S variant is a 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1598 cm3 (175 hp) with a Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. This engine accelerates the Clubman to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. On the roads of Spain, where the test took place, many hot southerners tried to compete with our Mini. But victory did not go to them. The maximum speed of the powerful Clubman is 224 km/h. At the same time, the car consumes little gasoline: the average consumption does not exceed 6.3 liters. The absence of the letter S on the rear means that acceleration to a hundred will be slower by 2.2 seconds, and the maximum speed will be 201 km/h (minus 23 km/h). These characteristics are provided by an engine of the same displacement, but with less power — 120 hp.

2008 Mini Clubman S
© Photo: BMW Group

The Mini Clubman will go on sale in November. Moreover, the car will be sold under a new scheme that involves abandoning package options. Now the buyer will be offered a basic version, and numerous options can be ordered separately. This approach, long used in Europe, allows the buyer to assemble their own, individual car. At the same time, you do not need to pay for extra, in your opinion, gadgets.

The Clubman is on average ?2000 more expensive than the classic version. The most affordable option will cost ?22,500, and the charged “eska” is sold for ?28,100. Of course, the cost can increase significantly due to additional equipment. Now let's fantasize. Of course, the Mini Clubman is unlikely to become a mass product with months-long queues. It is intended for big originals who change their Mini One for something bigger and more solid: perhaps they graduated from the institute, perhaps they got a dog. In short, they fooled around. And what, a normal joke.

In the footsteps of ancestors

2008 Mini Clubman S
© Photo: BMW Group

The Mini Clubman is a kind of interpretation of the concept of traditional station wagons, which are distant relatives of the modern car. We are talking about legendary classic models produced in the sixties: Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman and Mini Clubman Estate. The large luggage compartment is easily increased and very convenient to load thanks to the new rear doors. In addition, the Mini Clubman is a 5-seat car. The legroom for rear passengers is increased by 80 mm compared to the standard model. Getting into the rear seat is facilitated by an additional Clubdoor, which opens against the direction of travel and is located on the right side.

Artist of yourself

The original car can be made even more original by choosing your own color. Today, buyers are offered 40 options. An exclusive offer for the Clubman is a rich metallic color called Hot Chocolate. The interior design can also be made individual. People with imagination can safely combine, using four basic colors and five colors from the Colour Line offer. The seats can be upholstered in fabric or leather.

Driving
The Mini Clubman's handling is characterized by a quick response to steering wheel movement and gas pedal pressure.

Interior
The interior space of the Clubman differs little from the classic Mini.

Comfort
The Clubman is declared by its creators as a 5-seater. Perhaps this is really so, but only if gnomes sit in the back.

Safety
The basic configuration consists of 6 new-generation airbags, which effectively protect the driver and passengers.

Price
For the Clubman they ask on average ?2000 more than for the traditional version. This is normal.

2008 Mini Clubman S
© Photo: BMW Group

+ Excellent handling, lightning-fast response to driver commands, unsurpassed style.
- Inconvenience when getting into the rear seat — the cup holder interferes.

Our opinion

The unusualness of the car will become an obstacle on the way to the mass consumer. This is not bad. Let the Clubman be a product for gourmets. Of course, it is not necessary to talk about the new product as a real 5-seat station wagon — it is too cramped on the rear sofa. But the owner of this mini is guaranteed universal attention.