Consumer Guide's test 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman stickers for $25,450.
An extended-wheelbase version of the hatchback, the Cooper Clubman offers everything the shorter Mini does, and then some. It features a bump in passenger and cargo room and easier entry/exit with a passenger-side rear-hinged half door and two rear "barn doors."
The Consumer Guide staff recently welcomed a 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman to our extended-use fleet, and we'll evaluate it over the course of the next year. Our editors will put the Clubman to the test in a wide variety of real-world driving situations: Commuting to work, shopping for groceries, and taking long-distance road trips. This hatchback may still be short on size, but all the editors agree that it lives large in the character department.
About CG's Test 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman
Our test car is a base Clubman with a 118-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The starting price of $20,200 climbs to $25,450 with the addition of several options: Pure Silver metallic paint, the Convenience Package (universal garage door opener, keyless access and starting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, wireless cell-phone link, USB/iPod adapter, and automatic headlights), 16-inch alloy wheels (instead of the standard 15s), hood stripes, a power sunroof, a center armrest, sport seats, and heated front seats.
Creature Comforts and Safety Equipment
While the Convenience Package adds a lot of comfort features, the base model already comes fairly well equipped with a tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, height-adjustable front bucket seats, vinyl seats, a split-folding rear seat, power mirrors/windows/door locks, remote keyless entry, a CD player, a cooled glove box, and a theft-deterrent system.
Similarly, it also comes standard with a suite of key safety features: A traction control/antiskid system, dual front airbags, front-side airbags, curtain-side airbags, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Initial Impressions
Frankly, our road test got off to a rough start. Actually, it wasn't much of a start at all, as our front-wheel drive tester demonstrated its aversion to the snow. Our Clubman spent two days stuck under several inches of snow in an editor's alley. After fitting it with Bridgestone's Blizzak snow tires, we got along much better, literally.
After that initial hiccup, our test Clubman has been drawing mostly rave reviews as a vehicle that does a terrific job of blending sportiness, economy, and practicality. Clubman's longer wheelbase and extra door address gripes we've had about the regular-length Cooper's sometimes rough ride, lack of real cargo space, and cramped backseat. We are particularly impressed with this base model; it has sufficient power, handles better than most class rivals, is averaging an impressive 31.3 mpg, and has the overall feel of a premium car without the premium price tag.
While Cooper Clubman's critics are few, there are some testers who balk at Mini's requirement of premium fuel and deride its control knobs/buttons/toggle switches as confusing and far from intuitive. Some accuse Mini of sacrificing functionality for the sake of cutesy design--there are also those who fully embrace its retro-fabulousness and are willing to do a little head scratching in exchange for the personality Clubman's interior exudes.
Despite our different tastes, so far we all agree that Clubman's strengths outweigh its quirky, annoying weaknesses. Check back with us throughout the year as we motor with our 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman.
The 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman has barn-style rear doors and a third passenger-side rear-hinged half door.
02.20.2009
