The 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman has two things the regular Mini doesn't: a passenger-friendly back seat and an optional all-wheel-drive system.
The Clubman is the Mini for those who need more interior room than the original. Unlike the original, it has four adult-usable seats — not just four doors. There's enough legroom in the second row (34.3 inches) for a 6-foot-tall adult to sit comfortably, and there's 17.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity (versus 13.1 cubic feet in the regular four-door).
Prices start at $24,100 for the base trim model with three-cylinder turbo engine, six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Opting for the same trim with the new ALL4 AWD systems bumps the price up to $25,900.
The high-performance S trim starting price ranges from $27,650 to $29,450 with AWD. A John Cooper Works Clubman goes for $35,100. This version comes standard with the All4 AWD system.
What's New
All-wheel drive is now offered with the base, S and high-performance John Cooper Works versions.
The LCD is now a touch screen.
What's Good
It's bigger on the inside, but it still has a smaller interior than most cars.
Both the standard and optional engines are stronger.
The Clubman's longer wheelbase smoothes out the ride.
All-wheel drive is available in all trims.
What's Not So Good
The Clubman is a bit less nimble than the original Mini.
The turning circle is about a foot wider than it used to be.
All engines require higher-cost premium fuel.
Under the Hood
The Clubman's standard engine is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder that's smaller than the previously standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder but has more power. It has 134 horsepower and 162 foot-pounds of torque (versus 121 horsepower and 114 foot-pounds of torque for the previously standard) because it is turbocharged. The retired 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine wasn't.
So even though the '17 Clubman weighs about 300 pounds more than the old model (3,015 pounds versus 2,712 pounds), it's noticeably quicker: It goes from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds with either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed automatic. The old Clubman with the 1.6-liter engine and automatic transmission did the run in about 10 seconds.
Impressively, gas mileage is about the same as before: 25 mpg city/35 highway with the manual transmission and 25 mpg city/34 highway with the automatic transmission. That's compared with previous mileage of 27 mpg city/35 highway for the automatic and 28 city/35 highway manual.
As mentioned earlier, you can go with the AWD with the 1.5-liter three-cylinder — a testament to its more-than-adequate horsepower and torque. So kitted, the Clubman's mileage is still very good: 22 city and 32 highway with manual transmission. With the optional automatic, it does slightly better.
The high-performance Clubman S comes with a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder, also turbocharged, that has 189 horsepower and 207 foot-pounds of torque. The previous Clubman S had 181 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque. This engine can also be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic — equipped with manual mode and launch control.
On the Road
The Clubman's not really a snow car, but it is a car you can drive in the snow since it's available with all-wheel drive.
The standard Clubman has enough engine now, where it didn't before.
The John Cooper Works Clubman has outstanding high-capacity brakes and a boomy exhaust.
The Mini's biggest appeal — other than its cuteness — is its small footprint, quick steering and tight turning circle, which make it just about the most easy-to-maneuver (and park) new car you can buy.
At the Curb
Though it's almost a foot longer overall than it used to be, it's still about a foot shorter overall than typical compact sedans, such as a Toyota Corolla. So it still fits in places they can't.
It also has a pair of individually opening saloon-style rear doors, whereas the regular Mini has a conventional liftgate. The saloon doors have several advantages over the liftgate, chief among them that there are two of them, and you can open one or both as needed. They are smaller and lighter, too. It's easier to open them to the side than it is to heave a liftgate up and down. Plus, they're just cool.
Inside, you'll find the same layout as in the regular Mini, including the trademark toggles for secondary controls and the LED-ringed central LCD display, which has been upgraded to touch-screen status. There is also a BMW-style mouse-type interface mounted behind the gear selector on the center console.
Few cars do retro better than Mini.
The Rest
The center console storage space is still very mini — it will take an iPod or smartphone, but just barely, and not much else.
Other than that? Oh, behave!
The bottom line: The Clubman is the ticket for someone drawn to the original Mini's iconic mini-ness who wants just a little more room inside.
To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com. His new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" will be available soon.
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