MINI Cooper S Clubman 2007 Review

Launched: MINI Cooper S Clubman

At what point does the MINI cease to be 'mini'? Plenty would argue that its most recent incarnations have already broken too many rules on size, price and all-round grown-up-ness. But BMW clearly disagrees; in fact, it reckons there's another 240mm of slack (not to mention two more doors), and that the MINI Clubman is the car to prove it.

If 240mm doesn't seem like a lot, then you really ought to know that the Clubman's wheelbase is, in fact, just 80mm longer than the regular MINI's. The rest of the length is eaten up by slightly larger overhangs and around 100 litres more boot space. That means the cabin remains largely unchanged, but the extra boot space is a tangible benefit for anyone who's ever struggled with the regular's MINI hatchback's pitiful effort.

While there are echoes of the original Mini Traveller and Countryman, it's the attention to detail that matters here - and it's still in evidence. There are beautiful engineering touches, such as damped twin rear doors with built-in surrounds that clunk over fixed light clusters, and the pair of rear windscreen wipers.

And of course, there's that extra door on the flank, positioned behind the driver in right-hand-drive models. It's neatly done and does make access to the rear seats easier - but then, it is on the wrong side of the car for Australia...

The Clubman is only 80kg heavier than the regular hatchback, so it doesn't feel much slower on the road; the turbocharged engine in the Cooper S is willing and smooth. The aim was to create a car that felt as good to drive as the regular MINI, and while that hasn't quite been achieved (you can feel the extra mass behind you sorting itself out if you chuck it at a corner, although the diesel model's weight distribution might improve this, if or when it arrives in Australia), the Clubman strikes a decent balance between safety (DSC is standard) and enjoyment.

The ride on the Cooper S's standard 16-inch run-flats is slightly fidgety, as you might expect, but it's preferable to the 'Sport' pack experience, which adds 17in alloys and stiffer suspension. Curiously, MINI fitted the optional limited-slip differential to all launch models, so we'll reserve judgement on mid-corner dynamics until we drive the standard car.

While the Clubman is only a little more practical than a standard MINI, this has always been a car you want rather than need. The new addition probably offers enough practicality to find new buyers without rubbing away too much of the trendiness that tempts current devotees.

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