New Mini Cooper Clubman high on fashion

MCT

A large two-panel sunroof extends over the front and rear seats of the new Mini Cooper Clubman. The front panel of the roof opens, but the rear is fixed.

Call the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman wagon a fast-moving fashion statement that adds a soupcon of practicality to Mini's haute couture looks.

The wagon's prices start at $19,950 for a base model with a 118-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. The more powerful Mini Cooper S Clubman model gets a 172-hp turbocharged version of the same engine and starts at $23,450. A six-speed ZF automatic transmission adds $1,250 to either model.

I tested a nicely equipped base Clubman with the manual transmission that stickered at $24,800. Despite some minor ergonomic glitches, the Clubman offers responsive handling, excellent fuel economy and overall charm.

The Clubman is larger than the Mini Cooper coupe, but the three-door wagon remains a very small and efficient car. The compact dimensions mean the Clubman's interior remains snug, but it's far more useful than the dinky coupe, thanks to a rear-hinged club door on the passenger side that provides access to a two-person backseat that's barely serviceable, but much better than the coupe offers.

The front seat provides excellent head, shoulder and leg room. Space is at such a premium in the little car, however, that there's no room to reach the seat adjustment controls with the door closed, and the shoulder belt consistently snagged on the seatback when I reached to latch the belt.

The attractive interior is wrapped in well-fitted materials and features large, legible gauges and controls that are all within easy reach.

The Clubman has far more cargo space than the Mini coupe, 9.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 32.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, compared with the coupe's purse-sized 5.7 cubic feet. Two small doors provide access to the cargo area.

The Clubman's sharp steering and nimble cornering are an invitation to play, while the suspension is comfortable on bumpy surfaces and holds the car stable in quick maneuvers.

You have to be willing to rev the little 118-horsepower engine to motivate the Clubman for that kind of driving, but the free-revving powerplant and sporty short-throw manual transmission are willing to play if you are.

The little wagon racked up outstanding EPA fuel economy ratings of 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

It's a fashion statement with a practical side, and the new Clubman wagon is a delightful addition to the Mini Cooper model line.