Consumer Guide's test-car editors are making use of Clubman's extra cargo and passenger space during a yearlong evaluation.
This Base Clubman has but 118 horsepower, among the lowest in our sporty/performance car segment. But we're not often wanting for more scoot, as this little runabout has sufficient go in most situations, helped by an easy-effort manual transmission. Initial complaints about this car's inability to handle even modestly snowy conditions have been silenced since outfitting our test car with Bridgestone's excellent Blizzak snow tires.
Long-Term Tests Over the course of a year, our editors drive approximately 200 new cars
and trucks. Most vehicles are evaluated over a two-week period; some are
evaluated for six to 12 months. The vehicles we drive for this extended period
of time are called Long-Term
Testers. |
On that note, our Clubman might see somewhat limited action when it comes to extended road trips, as our car is not equipped with cruise control. We're a bit puzzled as to why this feature is not included in the optional Convenience Package, which adds a number of less-essential luxuries, such as keyless access/engine start and rain-sensing wipers.
Still, our Clubman should see plenty of miles added to its odometer. This car is far too much fun to let sit for more than 24 consecutive hours. Not only is it a joy to drive, but its slightly larger size versus standard Coopers makes the Clubman a surprisingly versatile hauler. One of our editors was able to fit a boxed Christmas tree with the "barn doors" closed and the rear seatbacks folded. Happy holidays indeed!
Some of our editors still aren't sold on the retro-chic of this car's control layout. The climate system is easy enough to learn, but many audio functions are tough to negotiate due to cryptic markings and the need to drill through multiple menus in order to get to a desired setting.
Other than the control complaints (cruise and otherwise), our extended-use Clubman continues to delight everyone who gets behind the wheel.
| The Vehicle |
| Body Style: 3-door hatchback |
| Model: Base Clubman |
| Engine: 118-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission: 6-speed manual |
| Base Price: $20,200 |
| Major Options: Convenience Package (universal garage door opener, keyless access/engine start, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, USB/iPod adapter, automatic headlights), Pure Silver metallic paint, 16-inch wheels, hood stripes, power sunroof, center armrest, sport seats, heated front seats |
| Price As Tested: $25,450 |
| Total Measured Miles: 13,228 |
| Consumer Guide Observed Fuel Economy: 32.5 mpg |
| Problems During Test: None |
| Editors' Comments |
| Tom Appel: Our Clubman is perfect. Really. It's practical, a joy to drive, easy on fuel, and not too pricey. What else could you want? If you're not usually hauling more than one passenger around, and you're looking for some way to brighten up your commute, you should seriously consider this car. |
| Damon Bell: Just got out of a 1600-mile-plus road trip in the Clubman. My right leg and I sure wish our tester had cruise control, but I'm impressed with how livable this sporty subcompact is in highway driving. It's certainly no serene cruiser, but the ride is more compliant than you might expect, and the noise levels are perfectly tolerable too. Most vehicles this size are nowhere near as pleasant out on the interstate. |
| John Biel: The Clubman offers Mini fans a vehicle with enough added rear-seat room that they can share the experience with friends without torturing them. But that doesn't change the fact that the Mini is still pricey considering its size and limited cargo capacity. (Again, the Clubman opens up a bit more possibility here.) It's the fancy dessert of little "city car" runabouts, not the cost-conscious value meal. |
| Jennifer Geiger: Clubman shines for its fun-to-drive personality, too-cute character, and (in base Clubman form) relative affordability. If you don't need a whole lot of cargo or backseat space and can get over some odd vehicle control quirks, Cooper Clubman is a winner. |
| Ed Piotrowski: A Clubman in base form is the most well-rounded vehicle in the Mini lineup. It's sufficiently powerful, handles better than most of its rivals, gets very good mileage, and is surprisingly practical. It's a great value for everything you get. |
| Don Sikora: Our long-term Mini Clubman is a joy to drive, mixing great doses of fun, practicality, personality, and economy. All is not perfect, as our tester would rather not slog through snow (without snow tires), and some of the controls should be more intuitive. But like any Mini, the inherent goodness outshines any warts. |
10.27.2009
