Listen Live
Fantastic Voyage Generic Graphics Updated Nov 2023
Black America Web Featured Video
CLOSE

Who’s It For: The all-new redesigned MINI Cooper Clubman would appeal to the flirty, sporty crowd, but could also be a great car for singles or couples with one or two kids.

What Makes It Hot: The roomier MINI Cooper Clubman, with its circular headlights, offers the same engaging driving experience one expects from its pricier siblings from BMW and the traditional MINI Cooper. Without losing its character, the larger and wider Clubman offers easier access for rear occupants, more leg room and an automatic swing-out rear door that opens like a station wagon. (This proved to a be a fascinating detail to attendees at a recent auto show.)

When compared to the MINI hardtop four door, the Clubman is close to 11 inches longer and 3 inches wider than a traditional four door. And unlike a traditional wagon, the larger Clubman still gives one the same cool vibe as the traditional MINI. And the new Clubman even offers a more premium feel than the standard hardtop, feeling more like a luxury vehicle.

The base Clubman can be enhanced by stepping up to the S trim, which includes a standard 4-cylinder, 189-horsepower engine, 17-inch wheels, sports seats with bolstering, halogen fog lights, chrome tip dual exhaust outlets and additional brake ventilation ducts. The Clubman can also be outfitted with such optional safety driving aids as a radar-activated cruise control system and a pedestrian warning collision system.

What Makes It Not: While the Cooper Clubman is larger than the typical MINI, it still lacks a rear seat armrest. Added to that, a keyless door lock system runs the price up an extra $500. The old-school locking system still requires you to pull out the remote to both lock and unlock the doors with the standard remote. The driver’s vision is slightly impeded due to the limited view of the rear window and there is no blind spot lane changing system. If you still have CD’s you’ll need to upgrade as the Clubman has no CD player.

Drive Or Drive-By: For those who yearned for a roomier four door MINI that offered leg room for the rear occupants, the British engineers of this premium sedan have answered with the return of the Clubman. The larger MINI still maintains its iconic style, while costing about $2,300 more than the conventional 4-door MINI. If you have a large family or more luxurious tastes, you may want a different option, but this car has a lot of style and appeal for several different kinds of drivers.

Indirect Competition: Fiat 500L

Sticker: $33,450 (Base Model $24,950)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bag; ABS; electronic brake distribution; dynamic stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; rain-sensing windshield wipers; electric parking brakes; and automatic headlights

Standard Equipment (Base Model): 16-inch wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; leather-like seats; a 6.5-inch circular infotainment screen; a keyless ignition system; 12-color ambient interior lighting; and three driving modes: green, mid and sport

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: 17-inch wheels; automatic transmission; leather; silver metallic; a rear view camera; park distance control sensors; a navigation system; a panoramic moonroof; sport seats; heated front seats;a 12-speaker, 410-watt audio system; a hands-free easy opener for split rear doors; and a satellite radio system

 Other Trim Level:

 S model

 Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD

 Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder/134-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

 Standard Fuel Mileage:

25-city/34-hwy

Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to www.JeffCars.com. Follow him on Twitter/JeffCars.

Like BlackAmericaWeb.com on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.