Maximum Mini

Mini Cooper Clubman delivers size in all the right places

I first drove the Mini Cooper Clubman in 2007 — it was being launched as a 2008 model — and the initial reaction I had was: certainly “bigger is better” when your brand happens to be Mini.

Definitely the “maxi” from Mini, the Clubman delivers the same cute exterior cues featuring slippery curves and the largest dimensions of anything in the stable. This is a traditional wagon profile that gently flows from front to back in distinct Mini style.

What the Clubman variation doesn’t do is appreciated — it avoids a cramped interior space and opens up the cabin for a real mid-sized sedan feel. Access to utility space and visibility are excellent. An upscale interior on my tester featured cool ambient lighting, optional leather seating and navigation. With up to 48 cubic feet of cargo room, the Clubman offers utility in a distinct package that is unlike anything on the road today.

The 2017 Clubman offers sporty handling and peppy performance. Under the hood is a 134-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder or the more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder that offers 189 horsepower and a max speed of 140 mph. Take your pick of a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional, as is a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy remains impressive at 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway.

The new Clubman’s suspension was revised for added stiffness, and both a sport suspension and Dynamic Damper Control come optional. Despite its larger size, a more extensive use of aluminum means the new Clubman isn’t any heavier than the previous generation, and the AWD system adds just 134 pounds. It’s worth noting the All4 system used to be available only on the Mini Countryman and the similar Paceman before moving to the new Clubman. Under normal road conditions, the front wheels still get 100 percent of the torque, but power can be sent to the rear wheels if any slip is detected.

The Mini Cooper Clubman comes standard with eight airbags, run-flat tires, traction and stability control and ABS, and optional safety equipment includes a rear-view camera and parking sensors. While the first Mini Cooper Clubman was really an elongated version of the hatchback, this new version is more of a true four-door wagon, and the newly available AWD broadens the car’s appeal even further.

I think when you consider the larger cabin spaces, the enhanced safety features within the cabin, the optional AWD capability and the overall uniqueness of the Mini exterior vibe, it is hard not to smile a bit and nod in appreciation for a truly distinct vehicle in the Clubman.

Overall, I loved the new Clubman for all the added equipment and features it offers as it grows in size. With growing size, there’s a slight increase in price that can range from a base $20,950 to a sizable increase at $25,200 for top levels.