2009 MINI Clubman Cooper S

By Stuart Eastwood

 

Boot and Bonnet

 

The British Columbian August 2009

 

In September of 1960, the Austin Se7en Countryman Mk1, and the Morris Mini-Traveller Mk1, arrived as the first estate variants of the Mini range, and continued in production for much of the cars’ history.  Just shy of 50 years later, a contemporary interpretation of these cars has been introduced by way of the MINI Clubman. 

 

As with the MINI hatchback, the success of the design results from a sympathetic interpretation of Alec Issigonis’ original design.  Slightly longer than the hatchback, the Clubman is nicely proportioned, and may be the best looking MINI yet.  Reference to historical styling notes continues at the rear where double swinging-doors are fitted.  On Countryman and Traveller versions, twin-doors were specified to ease production, two doors taking up less space on the production line than one large door, making it possible to fit more cars onto the line. The Clubman’s rear doors are fitted with hydraulic assist, a detail that will continue to impress when used on a daily basis.

 

The passenger side of the car features a Clubdoor, an extra panel that opens to provide easier access to the rear seat. While this has been offered on other brands, its inclusion in the design of the Clubman is well considered, making the car just that little bit more useable.  A result of the longer wheelbase is an extra 3 inches of leg room in the back seat, still not quite Virgin Atlantic Business Class, but it is a significant improvement over the hatchback.  Overall carrying capacity improves by some 63%, and folding the rear seats down will likely provide space enough for the most dedicated of Costco shoppers.

 

Inside the car fitments are much as expected, with the traditional speedometer appearing in the centre of the dash, and a tachometer mounted on the steering column directly in front of the driver.  Stalks control those features most often needed, with the minor switchgear being logically placed within the driver’s reach.  The cabin is trimmed in quality materials, and should continue to look smart for years.  The front seats are worthy of consideration for a Goldilocks Award, being “just right” in every respect as to comfort and support.  

 

 

 

 

 

Being a Cooper S edition, the car enjoys a few perks.  Fitted with a small turbo- charger, the 1.6 litre DOHC engine produces 172 horsepower, up 54 HP on the standard car.  While the Clubman is heavier than the Hatchback, the car is expected to reach 100 km/h in about 7.4 seconds.  Early summer rain made it prudent to agree with the factory numbers, rather than see if the Dynamic Stability Control works as advertised.  The car gives every indication of being fast enough for the majority of us, however, for the brave few, a 208HP John Cooper Works edition is on offer.  Gear selection is by way of either a smooth six-speed manual box, or an optional 6-speed automatic.

 

The steering is responsive and informative, providing good information as to what is happening under the wheels, and the brakes are every bit as impressive as the rest of the chassis.  Unless traversing particularly poor pavement, the car remains composed and comfortable, surprising as the car is fitted with the optional Sport Suspension package.

 

MINI is a premium brand, and is far removed from its historical place in the marketplace.  Accept the car on these terms and the $36K asking price begins to make sense.  If driving remains an enjoyable pastime, the Clubman Cooper S should appear on your list of cars to consider.