We’re still not sure what to make of anything from the new MINI range (call us sticklers, but we still love the original). However, we can’t help but smile when the Cooper name is used again. As is the case here, with the MINI Cooper S Clubman. Offering a nice mix of pace, space and driving fun, it should be a hoot.
Cooper S Clubman – speedy load-lugger
It’s set to be the most powerful Mini Clubman to date. It will have 231bhp and an impressive 350Nm of torque, so it should be more than capable of getting about at a fair old lick. In fact, the current promise is a 0-62 time of 6.3 seconds with a top-end speed of 148mph. On a private road, of course.
Power with control
Bolting on power is all well and good, but it’s meaningless if you can’t control it. It’s handy then, that the car will be fitted with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system. That should mean some seriously impressive handling characteristics as well as plenty of driver confidence if things get a bit slippery.
Furthermore, the brakes and suspension have all been given a re-work by the Cooper department. Bigger brakes mean better stopping, while the lowered and stiffened suspension should keep things nice and flat through the corners. Plus, a beefier cooling system means you can give it hell without fear of it blowing up! Bonus!
It’s not all good though. The side profile leaves a lot to be desired, especially for a car called ‘MINI’. It looks a bit fat to us, and that;s not ‘phat’ as the kids say. We mean it’s a chunky monkey. There’s nothing mini about it. That’s just our gripe though.
Besides, it’s got twinkly innards. And isn’t that what every car needs? Nightclubs might be closing down in London, but if you buy one of these, you’ll be set. You can have a mobile disco every time you pop to Tesco Express. Fun, if you like that sort of thing.
The Cooper Clubman S will be priced at £29,345 OTR with the six-speed manual gearbox, and £30,945 OTR with the eight-speed sports Steptronic transmission. Certainly not cheap, but given the Cooper S elements, it should be a hell of a lot of fun.
