2008 Mini Clubman

OVERVIEW

It’s a bigger Mini, with split-tailgate doors and one rear passenger door, hinged at the back to open in the opposite direction to “normal” doors (think Mazda RX-8). The body is longer than a standard Mini by 9.45 inches, and within that the wheelbase has been extended by 3.15 inches.

All the elements we know and love about the Mini are still there -- the great engines, the fine handling, the snappy design -- except now it can take some luggage and accommodate passengers in the rear seats who are more than 3 years old.

And about that one rear passenger door? Mini calls it the (wince) Clubdoor. It is on the right side of the vehicle, it can open only when the right-front passenger door is open, and Mini says it will provide easier access to and from the rear quarters. It doesn’t have an exterior handle, so the car’s clean lines are retained.

UNDER THE HOOD

Mini Cooper Clubman
1.6-liter four-cylinder engine
120 horsepower at 6,600 rpm
114 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm

Mini Cooper S Clubman
1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, turbocharged
175 horsepower at 5,500 rpm
177 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 to 5,000 rpm

WHEN?

Feb. 19

HOW MUCH?

Mini Cooper Clubman: $20,600
Mini Cooper S Clubman: $24,100

OUR TAKE

As great as the standard Mini is, space and practicality aren’t its strengths. This is an intelligent addition to the range and shouldn’t dilute the overall appeal. But if someone really wanted something sensible, they would probably buy a bigger car for the same money. The Clubman could go either way: be a big hit or create a segment for which there is little demand.