The new MINI Cooper Clubman, an expansion to last year’s introduction of the second-generation of the modern MINI, mirrors the latest MINI Cooper hardtop – both inside and out, in terms of equipment – from the radiator grill to the B pillars. This means the new variants share the 172-horsepower turbocharged engine of the MINI Cooper S and the 118-hp, naturally aspirated four-cylinder powerplant of the MINI Cooper, both driving the front wheels, as well as dashboard, seats (with the exception of some upholstery colors and materials as well as interior trim colors), comfort and convenience features and switch gear. And they share the chassis components, as well as the soul, which have earned the MINI accolades on its fun-to-drive, go-kart-like handling characteristics.

MINI Cooper S Clubman: turbocharged power unit for maximum driving pleasure

The 1.6-litre turbocharged power unit featured in the MINI Cooper S Clubman offers impressive performance on the road. Maximum output of 172 hp and specific output of 109.5 hp/liter are impressive figures for a four-cylinder, light-alloy power unit in this class.

The power unit in the MINI Cooper S Clubman achieves its peak output at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm. Maximum torque is 177 pounds-feet and is maintained consistently throughout the speed range from 1,600–5,000 rpm. When accelerating, torque is briefly increased even further to 192 lb-ft by the “overboost” function, an increase in charge pressure which gives the MINI Cooper S Clubman even more powerful “punch.” And overboost acts exclusively on engine torque, not on overall engine output. The MINI Cooper S Clubman responds instantaneously to the driver’s commands, accelerating from 0-60 miles-per-hour in 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 139 mph.

Despite their much higher level of dynamic performance and sporting character, both new MINIs return superior fuel economy, with the MINI Cooper S Clubman rating 34 MPG Highway, 26 MPG City for a combined preliminary fuel economy rating of 29 MPG. The MINI Cooper Clubman is even more efficient with an EU fuel economy rating of 37 MPG Highway / 28 MPG City for a combined preliminary rating of 32 MPG.

MINI Cooper Clubman: powerful but fuel-efficient normally-aspirated engine

Also displacing 1.6 liters, the MINI Cooper Clubman engine combines superior driving pleasure with truly outstanding economy. Maximum output of 120 hp comes at 6,000 rpm, with the torque curve reaching a significant 103 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm and continuing to a peak of 118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. The wide, useful torque curve is an example this engine combines superior power and performance with equally superior fuel economy in a compact and highly efficient power unit. The 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 9.8 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph.

Both the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox and offer an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

Brake and electronic-driving systems

The braking systems are designed to work in concert with the chassis and engine. Inner-vented front disc brakes, 11.57 inches on the MINI Cooper S Clubman and 11.02 inches on the Cooper Clubman are complemented by 10.2-inch discs at the rear. The fade-free brakes of both models are enhanced and supported by an anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). The brake assistant in the new MINI recognizes emergency braking maneuvers reliably and in good time, immediately building up maximum brake pressure whenever required to keep stopping distances as short as possible.

Standard on Clubman models, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and on-demand traction control (ASC+T) offer additional safety in critical situations. Intervening in the brakes as required or reducing engine power whenever necessary, DSC prevents the car from possibly swerving out of control.

Runflat tires standard on the MINI Cooper S Clubman

The MINI Cooper Clubman comes with 15-inch light-alloy rims and 175/65 R 15 tires. The MINI Cooper S Clubman features 16-inch light-alloy wheels and 195/55 R 16 runflat tires. Both models are available with optional 17-inch wheels in five-star Pace Spoke design exclusive to the MINI Cooper Clubman.

Design and engineering key to safety

To ensure the highest possible standard of safety despite the compact dimensions of the body, the various materials in the body are appropriately arranged and coordinated with one another to optimize crash safety through their particular features. High-strength steel and body plates varying in thickness referred to as tailored rolled blanks, as well as aluminum door elements and a magnesium carrier bar for the dashboard between the A-pillars, thus ensure not only supreme stability, but also low weight through the right kind of lightweight construction.

In a side, collision forces acting on the car are diverted appropriately to the underfloor on the opposite side, the doors, B-pillars, seats, instrument panel and roof frame keeping the side structure strong and stable. The right and left side of the car - regardless of the asymmetric arrangement with the Clubdoor on the right-hand side - both offer the same high level of crash safety. Diagonally arranged door reinforcements and an aluminum extrusion-pressed profile on the doorsill level interact with the A- and B-pillars to form one common deformation zone. The deformation zone at the rear, in turn, is formed by two longitudinal arms, the luggage compartment floor, the rear panel, the rear side panels, and additional reinforcement elements.

Chrome surrounds and 17-inch light-alloy rims setting additional highlights

The available Chromeline further sets the MINI Cooper and Cooper S apart from the pack. The option group comprises chrome-plated surrounds on the instruments and a cross bracket for the lower air intake (Cooper), chrome surrounds on the positioning lights and fog lamps as well as the rear fog warning light (Cooper) and, respectively, the air outlet in the rear air dam (Cooper S) as well as the handle on the rear lid (Cooper S).

The aficionado seeking to really highlight the sporting character of his or her MINI also has the choice of a sports suspension with stiffer springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars on both the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. And to provide the final touch, the sports suspension may be supplemented by a variety of 16-inch or 17-inch wheels

iPod interface, illuminated door entry strips

Portable music players are becoming increasingly significant for today’s premium-car buyer. The 2008 MINI supports this trend, offering an interface to integrate the Apple iPod into the car’s radio and navigation systems. This music unit is controlled either via the MINI joystick, the multifunction steering wheel or the radio buttons, while the interface itself is located in the glove compartment.