2011 MINI Cooper Clubman Review

Fun, zippy, stylish, and now with extra space and more doors — the 2011 MINI Clubman is a brilliant blend of compact with cargo.

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.

2011 MINI Cooper Clubman with rear door open
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman. Photo: Amee Reehal

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:

2011 MINI Cooper Clubman with side doors open and baby inside
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman. Photo: Amee Reehal

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:

2011 MINI Cooper Clubman rear trunk space
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman. Photo: Amee Reehal

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.

2011 MINI Cooper Clubman interior driver side steering wheel and gauges
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman. Photo: Amee Reehal

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”).

red 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman side vie parked on grass
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman. Photo: Amee Reehal

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
red 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman rear view parked on grass
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman. Photo: Amee Reehal

2011 MINI Cooper Clubman Specs and Images

CategorySpecification
Engine1.6L Inline-4
Power121 horsepower
Torque114 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Curb WeightApproximately 2,668 lbs
Wheelbase100.3 inches
Length155.9 inches
Width66.3 inches
Height56.1 inches
Cargo Volume9.2 cubic feet (Behind Rear Seats)
Maximum Cargo Volume32.8 cubic feet (With Rear Seats Folded)
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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.