Entry Price: $24,100
Price as tested: $39,550
This week, we’re driving the top line and all-new 2016 MINI Cooper S Clubman, a four-door model built to deliver enhanced driving comfort and room for five. Wrapped in an extended wheelbase design with all the looks and performance MINI Coopers are known for, this new MINI “little wagon” could well become a best seller and prove that even a MINI that grows can still deliver the legendary John Cooper performance goods.
Our S Clubman, which starts at $24,100, featured just about every option the popular carmaker offers which pushed the final tally to $39,550. Six other MINIs are available, from the base $20,700 MINI two-door hardtop to the $30,200 John Cooper Works performance model we tested last year. Available in either front or AWD in short and long wheelbase trims, the longer wheelbase models offer MINI consumers room for the family in addition to a little more cargo room, too.
With the MINI’s cult like following still growing and similar to its popularity when introduced in the United Kingdom back in 1959, today’s MINI Cooper still receives final assembly in Oxford, United Kingdom (UK), although its modern day German heritage is spiced with parts coming from Canada, the United States and the UK while the main drivetrain features a transmission from Japan and engine components from Germany.
As noted in past MINI Cooper reviews, our tester is a tribute to its famous founder John Cooper, who developed his beloved MINI while building a reputation as a Formula 1 race car builder. Using a sideways-mounted engine and a then yet to be proven front-wheel-drive layout, Cooper not only founded the Cooper Car Company, he drove to three Monte Carlo Rally titles and 16 Grand Prix wins in his Formula 1 Cooper machines. His name lives on as today’s MINI Coopers are better than ever and priced appropriately, meaning even those one on a tighter budget can afford one.
Under the hood of our front-drive S Clubman sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder that delivers 189-horsepower and 207 lb. ft. of torque. Coupled to a $1,750 optional eight-speed paddle shift sport automatic transmission, we timed our tester from zero to 60-mph in just 6.9 seconds. A six-speed Getrag manual comes standard on the S Clubman if you still like to shift.
MINI’s racing-bred suspension and the combination of a lightweight chassis, high-tech automatic transmission and the turbo engine allows keeping up with most anything on the highway. The MPG numbers, too, are most noteworthy as 24-city and 34 highway are most welcome numbers.
And it’s on the road where the MINI reveals its racing-bred genes. Anyone who enjoys a good handling, peppy car will revel in its driving characteristics. There are three driving modes to choose from including Sport, Mid or Green with the “go-kart” handling mode found in the Sport setting. The feedback through the steering wheel, albeit a bit touchy in Sport mode, is excellent thanks to the race-bred suspension and optional $250 Sport Package that adds a dynamic damper and 18-inch Pirelli tires. Also included in this package are LED fog lamps and headlights.
Inside, MINI S Clubman features a cabin that is roomy fore and aft as rear legroom is aplenty and cargo space expandable. Our MINI S Clubman four-door makes access to the rear seat easy while twin rear cargo doors swing open automatically, a nice touch when your hands are full. Our tester had $500 heated seats, a recommendation in cold climate areas.
On the safety side, eight airbags with side curtain setup, performance ABS disc brakes, dynamic stability, corner brake control, electronic brake force, and much more are standard fare. Special toggle switches are noteworthy, as is the overall BMW quality build.
Consumers will enjoy a long list of standard features from air conditioning to spectacular high quality leather interior. Our MINI featured a Harmon Kardon stereo system as part of an $1,800 Premium package that also includes a nice panoramic moon roof.
Important numbers include a 105.1-inch wheelbase, 13.2-gallon fuel tank, 3,300-lb. curb weight and 17.5 to 47.9 cu. ft. of cargo space.
Last year we drove a John Cooper model race-bred MINI Cooper and gave it high marks. This year, it’s the four-door luxury S Clubman we give high marks to, especially for those seeking the best in small performance packages with room to spare.
Likes: Outstanding handling, Cooper S Clubman trim, rear seat room.
Dislikes: Expensive options, twin cargo door pillars hinder visibility.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist)
