Photo gallery: 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman
The biggest drawback to owning a MINI Cooper (besides the torque steer, the squirrelly at-the-limit handling, and the fact that you can't upgrade the stereo) is the fact that the back seat is really tight, even for children. So what happens when all those MINI buyers decide they're ready to reproduce? MINI's answer is the Cooper Clubman, an extended-length version of the MINI Cooper coupe that will go on sale early next year. MINI released details and photos of the new Cooper Clubman today. To see the photos, go here; to get the details, read on.
The MINI Cooper Clubman is 9.45" longer than the standard MINI Cooper, with a 3.15" stretch between the wheels. The additional room is split between the back seat, which gains 3.15" in legroom, and the cargo bay, which grows from 5.7 cubic feet to 9.1 cubic feet with the back seats up. In order to ease back-seat access, the MINI Cooper Clubman has a "suicide" rear door on the right side, similar to that found on extended-cab pickups. Out back, the regular Cooper's swing-up tailgate is replaced by twin swing-out doors, an homage to the Mini Traveller and Mini Countryman, the extended-length versions of the original Mini (built 1961-1969). The rear doors feature twin wipers, a nice touch.
Power choices in the US will mirror the current MINI Cooper Coupe: 1.6 liter four-cylinder engines, a turbo version for the Cooper S Clubman and a non-turbo for the regular Cooper Clubman. European buyers can also opt for the diesel-powered Cooper D Clubman; unfortunately there are no plans to offer the diesel in the US. Another feature not available to Americans is the "Auto Start Stop" feature, which shuts the engine down at stoplights, similar to the auto-stop systems in Honda and Toyota hybrids. Actually, the press release says this feature "will not be available for US models at the time of launch" -- so maybe there's hope...
Check out pictures of the 2008 Clubman in our 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman photo gallery. For more about the MINI, read our 2007 MINI Cooper S test drive. -- Aaron Gold
So many doors, so little car.
What’s behind door number 5?
Watch your fingers!
A sunroof makes 6!
Extended-cab Cooper
Your kids can be 3.15in taller now!
(I could just keep going…)
But really, it looks a bit odd…
Maybe they should extend it a bit more than 9.45in, and just make a 4-door Cooper.
PLUS – bring the Diesel to the US!
Agreed. They made a cool little car look kinda quirky. If you own a mini it’s not your main people/stuff hauler and I doubt this version will win many new fans – I could be wrong
Now I’m lusting even more than I was before…
I LIKE IT! I am concerned about handling and power. It wouldn’t be any fun if it turned out to be a dog (remember what Jaguar did to the “E” and Nissan did to the “Z”). I agree with AndyS, we CAN be trusted with an efficient diesel in this country.
Man, that back end is funky. Meaning I think it looks downright ugly. I’m not a big fan of the new mini either; I preferred the look of the old one.
GBTtown, agreed with diesel comment, but what effect is that going to make besides personal finances as far as energy use in u.s.?
A lot of people have to get smart with energy consumption before something like that diesel will make an impact. A lot of people don’t care too much about energy until they have to conserve energy simply to survive financially. A lot of people also think it’s best to buy a more fuel efficient car than to boost mpg in the vehicle(s) that they have(aftermarket injectors, air intakes, etc.).
All this just makes me wonder what kind of show the economy is going to make when the wild consumer spending will catch up with all us Americans and spending will sharply drop. Unless, of course, the banks will increase their loan limits by getting greedy for more money and delay implosion of spending for another decade.(sorry to get off of subject, Aaron, that mini looks half bad compared to the ‘real’ mini)
Anyway, a diesel in more cars is still a great idea than less fuel efficient gas motors.
If it drives anything like the original, then
I want it…gotta have it…CAN’T STAND BEING WITHOUT IT!!!