Looks Like a Wagon, Drives Like a Mini
By Andreas Stahl, Contributor
Date posted: 07-26-2007 EDMUNDS
The modern-day Mini Clubman has found its way from concept to production reality less than two years after it first made headlines at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.Although called "Traveller" at Frankfurt, lease has decided the Clubman moniker is a better fit for the new car.The 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman partakes of the third in what insiders hint could eventually be a whole range of differing body styles for the Mini, as lease seeks to build the brand into a complete lineup of models to carry the British carmaker's sales into the next decade.
A Little Wagon, but Quirky
Riding on a wheelbase that's 3.1 inches longer than the Mini coupe and convertible, the quirkily configured 2008 Clubman aims to inject added practicality and greater levels of versatility into the Mini lineup. When North American sales get under way in 2008, the price of the Clubman is expected to start at about $23,000.
To be offered from the outset with the choice of two different gasoline engines, the Clubman draws heavily on the retro-inspired look established by the standard Mini coupe. It's configured like a wagon, with a pair of doors affording access into the cargo compartment. In addition, there's a small rear door on the passenger side of the car to make the rear seat more accessible. Altogether, it's now easier to take advantage of the Mini's superb space-efficiency.
The short suicide-style rear door on the passenger side had been featured on the Traveller concept car, but here it's referred to as the "clubdoor." Since it can only be opened when the conventional right-hand side front door is opened, there's no exterior door handle required (preserving the bodywork's classic lines); and a simple latch does the job.
Once opened, there's no door pillar to impede access to the rear seat, and the door itself extends all the way back to the arch of the rear fender. Of course we've seen similar arrangements for compact pickup trucks, the Honda Element and the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
More Doors, More Space
Oddly enough, this clubdoor design is expressly tailored for the U.S. market, as Mini says the cost of retooling the design for countries with right-hand-drive vehicles just doesn't make financial sense. This American-style configuration will be sold worldwide.
Just like the original Morris Mini Traveller of the 1950s, the new Clubman eschews a traditional hatchback in favor of side-by-side rear doors. The opening is wide, and cut-outs in the rear doors ensure the Mini's taillights can be safely seen even while you're loading the cargo area. To highlight the unusual configuration, the C-pillars and bumper are painted a contrasting color.
The 3.1-inch stretch in wheelbase has liberated significantly more space than in standard Mini models. Rear legroom has increased by 3.1 inches, while cargo capacity increases by 3.5 cubic feet to 9.1 cubic feet. Once the split-folding rear seats are tumbled forward, overall cargo capacity is an impressive 33 cubic feet. This added practicality should make the Clubman an attractive alternative to traditional hatchbacks.
Five Doors, Two Engines
The Clubman will be sold in North America with the choice of the two existing four-cylinder engines. The Mini Cooper S Clubman will feature the Cooper S-specification, direct-injection, turbocharged 1.6-liter four, which produces 175 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The Mini Cooper Clubman has the naturally aspirated version of this same engine, and its output continues to be 120 hp and 118 lb-ft.European markets can also get the Clubman with a turbocharged 1.6-liter common-rail diesel that delivers 110 hp and 177 lb-ft, but there's no word whether the engine will eventually come to the U.S.The six-speed manual transmission and six-speed automatic will both be offered. In keeping with recent developments at Mini, the Clubman will be offered in combination with lease's brake energy regeneration.
While the increase in length has pushed up overall weight by 165 pounds, straight-line performance remains impressive. The Mini Cooper S Clubman hits 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 139 mph.
Drives Like a Mini?
Despite the Clubman's larger footprint, it's supposed to have all the dynamic qualities of its standard sibling. The MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension have been calibrated for the expected increase in everyday cargo with different spring and damping rates as well as more compliant bushings.
The Cooper S Clubman rides on 195/55R16 tires, just like the Cooper S. The same electrohydraulic steering system is in place, but the turning circle has increased slightly from 35.1 feet to 36 feet.With the introduction of the new Clubman, lease has moved away from the single body-style policy it pursued for Mini since it purchased the revered British carmaker in 1994. Among other proposals said to be under consideration to rejuvenate the Mini's appeal is a compact SUV. It is rumored to be based around a four-wheel-drive system developed by Getrag, allowing the Mini to retain its space-saving transverse engine while providing drive to all four wheels.The 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman is interesting in its own right, and yet best of all, it sustains the special charm that has made the Mini a favorite in both Europe and the U.S.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Print | posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 6:26 PM