2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman Review

That's a Stretch

Longer and roomier than the familiar coupe, the Mini Cooper Clubman S remains quick and nimble, but with a nod to practicality.

Debuting as a late-2008 entry, the Mini Cooper Clubman S takes the basic Cooper formula and adds a measured dose of utility to the mix. As with the coupe, it’s offered in both base and higher-performance “S” versions, the latter of which is the focus of this review (the base model is covered elsewhere).

The Mini Cooper Clubman S is almost 10 inches longer than the standard Cooper S to provide a more spacious interior, particularly in the rear. It rides on a wheelbase that’s stretched by a bit over 3 inches. Back-seat entry and exit is made easier by a rear-hinged “Clubdoor” on the passenger’s side. Similar in design to the rear doors on the Honda Element, Mazda RX-8, and some extended-cab pickup trucks, the rear door can only be unlatched while the front door is opened.

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While it’s still hardly spacious, the Mini Cooper Clubman S’s cargo hold is 61 percent larger than the coupe’s. It has 9.2 cubic feet of storage (versus 5.7 cu. ft. in the regular Cooper S) with the rear seats up, and 32.8 cu ft (versus 24 cu. ft.) with the back seats folded flat. Access to the cargo area is made easier by a tailgate that splits open in the center, reminiscent of those on classic models from the 1960s like the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate, the latter which gives the current Clubman its name.

Otherwise, the Mini Cooper Clubman S is quite similar in look and character to the Cooper S coupe as well. Styling is identical from the front doors forward, and aside from a larger rear seat and some unique colors, the interior and features are virtually identical.

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The Mini Cooper Clubman S shares powertrains with the Cooper S coupe. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivers peppy acceleration (0-60 mph in about seven seconds), and drives the front wheels via either a standard six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The latter includes manual operation via steering wheel-mounted paddles, and features a sport mode for more aggressive shifts. It’s only a little less fuel efficient than the standard Clubman.

Despite the longer wheelbase, the Mini Cooper Clubman S retains the Cooper S’s go-kart-like cornering abilities, which are enhanced by an electronic power steering system that includes a mode to give it added responsiveness. An optional sports suspension improves the car’s handling, though at the expense of a rougher ride.

• Mini Cooper S Clubman Vehicle Summary

Six airbags, antilock brakes with cornering control, brake assist, and electronic brake-force distribution are all included in the Mini Cooper Clubman S; Dynamic Stability Control is likewise there for surefootedness under varying conditions.

While the Mini Cooper Clubman S is still not as useful as a small SUV or wagon for families or for active singles needing to carry bicycles or other space-intensive gear, it does expand the Mini Cooper S’s allure to those who occasionally need to transport a third or fourth passenger, or bring unassembled furniture home from Ikea. And if that’s not enough, rumor has it that an SUV-like Mini is in the works.

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