You wouldn’t think of a MINI Cooper as a family mover. And by no means am I implying that it is. However, as the first MINI to offer all-wheel drive and seat four passengers (comfortably, may I add), the 2011 MINI Clubman is narrowing that gap, coupled with smart features to alleviate the ‘small car’ syndrome.
Including the dual, barndoor-style rear trunk doors, opening automatically at the press of a button—a trivial detail for some, perhaps, but super useful for the family dude lugging his kid while trying to stow the umbrella stroller in the trunk. Also, the second, smaller door on the passenger side provides easier (more tolerable) passenger access to the back seats; but above all, for the family dude, it is easier to install for that car seat and much (much) easier baby-in, baby-out tasks. So, not quite a Dodge Caravan, nor should it be, but the 2011 MINI Clubman certainly holds its own. Score one for the, yes, family dude.
Below, both passenger doors open and ample space for access and happy baby = happy dad:
From the front, the 2011 MINI Clubman is essentially indistinguishable when compared to its two other siblings, the original Cooper and the Cooper Countryman. Side view? Rear view? Worlds apart. The Clubman, more in line with the styling of a wagon, is 24cm longer than the regular Cooper, with an 8cm longer wheelbase. Cargo space in the rear with rear seats up is 240L, offering decent luggage space. Both seats are down, and the space expands to 930L.
Here’s a shot of my camera gear en route to a shoot. The larger black bag is airline carry-on size:
MINI Cooper Clubman Interior
The cabin feels surprisingly spacious as well. The seats were comfortable and heated up within moments (optional feature). Instrumentation and console layout, with an assortment of dials, knobs, and switches, is certainly unorthodox yet works well and actually makes a lot of sense, i.e., the main command dial located deep in the centre of the console near the shifter, looks odds sitting there, alone, but within reach.
In fact, for anyone new to the MINI, myself included, everything looks a bit odd sitting in the cockpit. But again, straightforward and stylish (except when my wife drove the Clubman home, stopping at a check stop, unable to open the window, desperately searching for the button, while patient police officer watched…”Ma’am, the button is located on the centre console at the bottom”).
Pros:
- Extra doors are a huge benefit, especially passenger-side entry
- Tight handling
- Centre stack with unique yet functional layout and design
- Rear cargo space is respectable, even with seats up
Cons:
- Oversized gauges & controls are not for everyone
- Clubman is larger than the conventional Mini; it may discourage buyers
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman Specs and Images
Category | Specification |
---|---|
Engine | 1.6L Inline-4 |
Power | 121 horsepower |
Torque | 114 lb-ft |
Transmission | 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic |
Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
Curb Weight | Approximately 2,668 lbs |
Wheelbase | 100.3 inches |
Length | 155.9 inches |
Width | 66.3 inches |
Height | 56.1 inches |
Cargo Volume | 9.2 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats) |
Maximum Cargo Volume | 32.8 cubic feet (With Rear Seats Folded) |