Clubman is a Good Family Car, but Noise Issues are a Concern

2009 Mini Cooper Clubman

model as tested $27,550

Test Drove 5/12/09 – 5/26/09
reviewed by Kristin Varela

When I was little, I had this cool toy that melted broken crayons and molded them on to little wheels with axles, turning them into Hot Wheels. I can’t help but think of the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman in the same way: a toy, but without the weird, waxy crayon smell. As with many toys, the more you use them, the more the fun begins to wear off. I really love the Clubman, but if I were driving it every single day, I might tire of it much more quickly than I would something less toy-like.

Driving the Clubman feels kind of like driving a go-kart; its suspension is stiff and a little harsh, but cornering and overall handling are impressively tight. The Clubman gets an EPA-estimated 28/37 mpg city/highway and requires premium fuel. As long as you accept the Clubman’s go-kart-like qualities from the beginning, and keep your expectations in check, you’ll be good to go. If you compare driving a Clubman to a regular car, you’ll have problems.

The Clubman is 9.4 inches longer than the Cooper. These extra inches makes the Clubman a great family car — think extra legroom and cargo space.

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