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The impractical estate car. Image by Dave Jenkins.

The impractical estate car
The Clubman (literally) increases the size of the MINI range. Here's the Cooper D version.

   



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| Week at the Wheel | MINI Cooper D Clubman |

Inside & Out: star star star star star

There are a number of striking features about the MINI Clubman that make it rather an unusual car. An estate profile is nothing out of the ordinary, nor is a five-door configuration. However, when you take into consideration that the rear hatch consists of two doors and that the remaining three are for conventional access to the cabin then the oddness begins to hit home. For a number of reasons, not least the position of the fuel tank, the Clubman has two doors on the right hand side, but makes do with a single opening on the left. This asymmetric appearance gives two very different, but equally striking profiles.

Inside, the Clubman will not present many surprises to anyone familiar with a standard MINI. However, there is one very obvious difference: visibility has been adversely affected by the change in door arrangements. Effectively, every pillar presents of obstacle. The rear visibility is poor as a consequence, though the rear wipers do a fine job of keeping the glass clear of crud. Of more concern would be the massive blind spot on the driver's side, in the UK at least, where the pillar of the RX-8 opening style door obscures the field of vision over one's shoulder making overtaking more difficult than it should be. In left-hand drive markets this wouldn't be an issue, but in the UK the visibility could be a deal breaker for us.

Engine & Transmission: star star star star star

Economy is the keyword for the diesel-engined Clubman, but courtesy of a decent torque figure of 177lb.ft, bolstered further by the overboost facility (up to 192lb.ft for bursts), the Clubman diesel is a willing, if slightly vocal, performer and quite suits the MINI's personality. As you'd expect, the outright performance isn't that exciting, as the figure of circa ten seconds to sixty reflects, but in reality there is more than enough energy in reserve for everyday driving and motorway work. Where it scores highest is at the fuel pumps where the 50-plus mpg we consistently achieved, with little concentrated effort, will pay real dividends. Driven with a more economy-biased style it should be possible to push that figure upwards towards 60mpg.

Ride & Handling: star star star star star

None of the MINI's talents have been lost in the transformation to MINI estate car; it is still a joy to steer. Stiffly suspended, it can be caught out by some pot holes and drain covers but for the most part the damping controls movements confidently. The steering could be more communicative, but the grip levels available, agility and flat cornering give the MINI cross-country pace that belies its diminutive appearance. There is no doubt that the chassis could cope with more power but the diesel can still be a hoot to drive.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money: star star star star star

Equipment levels are adequate rather than generous and I'd expect many of the MINI's target customers would require an upgrade to the rather feeble stereo. Otherwise, the quality and engineering justify the price tag. As ever with a BMW car, caution is to be advised when reviewing the options list where spending can get out of hand rather quickly. It's hard to argue with the value of the service pack on offer though.

Economy is beyond contention with over 50mpg easily achievable. The stop-start system will provide a useful boost to this in certain traffic conditions, but unfortunately the weather meant no comparisons were possible - the system is disabled below 3-degrees C and our week with the car coincided with a cold snap.

Overall: star star star star star

It's an interesting car, the MINI Clubman. Undoubtedly stylish and different - and appealing as a consequence - it has a number of traits, such as the visibility that detract from the overall package. It remains unique, however.

Dave Jenkins - 20 Jan 2009



  www.mini.co.uk    - MINI road tests
- MINI news
- Cooper D Clubman images

2009 MINI Cooper D Clubman specifications:
Price: £15,750 on-the-road as standard.
0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 120mph
Combined economy: 68.9mpg
Emissions: 109g/km
Kerb weight: 1175kg

2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.

2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.


2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 






 

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