2011 Mini Cooper Clubman Reviews

2011 Mini Clubman is a larger version of the Mini Cooper Hardtop: It offers more cargo room and rear passenger space. However, with the 2011 Mini Countryman on the market, reviewers wonder if there’s a need for the Clubman.

For 2011, the Mini Cooper Clubman got a number of interior and exterior updates. Mini also included a few performance-enhancing features. With the debut of the more practical Mini Countryman, automotive journalists wonder who will want the Clubman. If you’re considering the Mini Cooper Clubman, odds are you checked out the Mini Cooper Hardtop and crossed it off your list because it has less interior space than the Clubman. Mini updated the Clubman significantly for 2011, which means you won’t get standard HD or SIRIUS satellite radio, the optional Mini Connected system, more horsepower or better fuel economy. Details: 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman

When you check out the 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman at dealerships, you’ll see a number of significant changes. Inside, the Mini improved the Clubman’s interior controls and made them less confusing. Mini offers HD radio and SIRIUS satellite radio as standard interior features. There are three versions of the Clubman: base, Cooper S and John Cooper Works.
For 2011, the range of Mini Cooper Clubman models receives a slight increase in power output, modified steering for reduced torque steer under hard acceleration, minor cosmetic changes inside and out, optional adaptive headlights, reworked radio controls, standard HD and satellite radio and added sound insulation.

The 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman addresses this issue by virtue of its larger dimensions -- about 10 inches longer overall, translating to about 2.5 inches of much-needed rear-seat legroom and about 50 percent more cargo capacity. The Clubman comes with the same powertrain choices and standard and optional feature lists that the smaller Mini enjoys. From the sensible base model to the more entertaining S and John Cooper Works, there should be a Clubman to fit most budgets and tastes. It's worth noting that the Clubman also inherits some of the standard Mini's less desirable traits. The 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman is a four-seat, two-door hatchback with a passenger-side reverse-opening rear door. In place of the regular Cooper's rear liftgate is a pair of outward-swinging doors. There are three trim levels available: base Cooper, sportier Cooper S and highest-performing John Cooper Works.

The Cooper S adds a more powerful engine, 16-inch wheels, run-flat tires, foglights, dual exhausts, firmer suspension tuning, sport seats and alloy pedals. Step up to the John Cooper Works edition and you'll get even more power, 17-inch wheels, Brembo brakes and cloth upholstery. The base Cooper Clubman is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 that produces 121 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The regular Cooper and the Cooper S come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic with manual shift control is optional. Mini estimates the base Clubman with a manual transmission will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds (10.2 seconds for the automatic). With the manual transmission, the base Clubman achieves impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined. The 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman comes standard with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and stability control. The Mini Clubman's biggest advantage over the standard Cooper is in rear-seat legroom -- as in, it actually has some. Just like the regular Cooper, the Clubman features a snazzy, retro-inspired control setup.

Driving Impressions
Despite being longer than the regular Mini, the 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman still provides a comparable level of driving entertainment. For some, though, the stiff suspension may be a bit jarring, particularly on the John Cooper Works model and the Cooper S with the optional sport-tuned suspension.

The MINI Cooper Clubman is a larger version of the MINI Cooper. Standard features on the base model include dual power remote mirrors, rear window wipers, daytime running lights, and halogen headlights.

Interior Features
The interior of the 2011 MINI Cooper remains relatively unchanged. Upgraded trims and options include features like sport seats, cloth seats, automatic temperature control, leather seats, HD or satellite radio, an iPod connection, and upgraded speakers.