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2008 MINI Cooper Clubman: Little Big Man
When was the last time you jumped in a little vehicle and the ride quality was like a big vehicle? Not many auto companies have products that fit this subliminal portrayal. Well MINI does, as I experienced on a recent test drive in Monterey, California. The 2008 Cooper Clubman and Clubman S extend the passion and fanfare that runs deeper than coalmines within the MINI sub-culture. Think I’m kidding? Then why were local Monterey residents all over the Clubman like ants at a picnic?
To understand where MINI is heading you must comprehend where it has been. Is it a coincidence that on a recent trip to Jamaica my good friend’s uncle uncovers an original MINI Cooper S that he used for island racing in his heyday? I doubt it. MINI launched in the UK in 1959. From 1960 to 1967, 10,000 were imported to the US. Parent company BMW made sure that MINI’s rebirth in Europe in 2001 and the US in 2002 would be well accepted by both prior and new potential owners. Last year MINI sold 222,000 vehicles worldwide and 42,000 in the US. So it’s no wonder that you can find the little “people movers” around the globe. Even up in the hills of Mo Bay where the Rastas dwell!
The Clubman is not a replacement vehicle for anything. It’s longer and taller than the MINI Cooper and it’s all new. Featuring a single club door on the passenger side and a two-piece tailgate, the vehicle is more accessible entering and exiting and offers more flexibility storing items in the rear.
The uniqueness of MINI -- some say quirkiness – stems from the brand’s freedom of design and aggression of attitude. If you respect your heritage and are truly proud then say it loud and clear. All of the Clubman’s 12 exterior colors exude excitement. And you can color combo the vehicle with different roof and “C”-pillar colors. Mirror caps get the same color scheme as the roof unless you go with metallic paints. Cold outside? Warm up with the “Hot Chocolate” treatment. “Laser Blue” and “Dark Silver” are reserved for the “S” model. Inside MINI gives you equal expressions. Colorful leather is blended with cool textiles and exaggerated piping/stitching like “Rooster Red” and “Mello Yellow.” The split rear seats lay flat to increase storage space and the rear floor board lifts for even more storage opportunities like groceries or small sports equipment. I suggest keeping the seats folded flat since no average size person will want to sit in the second row. Hardly any leg room is available. Conversely the front cabin has room almighty. My legs were stretched fully and I didn’t have to bend the torso to drive and steer. Ha, I’ve driven $100,000 sports cars with less driver and passenger space than the Clubman!
The MINI Clubman is a true premium small car brand in every sense. Its heritage has in no way been watered down into another cheap teenage transporter. While quality is parallel to other BMW products, power is on par with competitors and the personalization opportunities are limitless. For example, the “S” model features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four with 177 horsepower and a manual transmission (base engine is 118 horsepower). With the wheels at the far corners of the chassis, the Clubman is able to achieve go-kart like maneuverability. The breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) was a true testament with its varying turns and curves. The Clubman dipped in, out and around PCH’s bends and indentations fluidly. And the use of the vehicle’s six-speed manual allowed me to control the MINI’s power effectively. Yet, be careful when sitting idle! It is quite easy to gear the Clubman into reverse opposed to first. This happened to me more than once. The six-speed automatic is optional.
Do you love being entertained? One thing is for certain. You will never tire of your MINI. For one, its robotic features keep you as captivated as the “Transformers” universal missions. Window and lock buttons for example are toggle switches located in a set of rings. Its gigantic speedometer – the size of Flavor Flav’s clocks -- is located at the center of the dash and not behind the steering wheel. And don’t be stupid. You will never be able to tell an officer that you were unaware of your speed! That big circle also stores the mini nav system, radio readouts and the time. Add Bluetooth for hands free chatting. Toss in MP3 connectivity, ambient lighting, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with a lifetime subscription and you are good to go.
On sale now, the MINI Clubman goes for $20,600 (destination included) while the Clubman S starts at $24,100. The options list is longer than a collegiate football roster so be prepared to open up the wallet if you want your MINI ‘man as distinguished as the next.
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