2011 MINI Cooper Clubman Trims and Specs

The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman splits the difference between the traditional hardtop and larger Countryman. With more length and width, and therefore more weight, the Base's engine does not offer as much zip as those in the S or John Cooper Works (JCW) trims. 2011 saw a slight improvement in the Base’s power, increasing the horsepower of its 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine to 121 (an increase of 3 hp), as well as offering 114 lb-ft of torque. As with all trims, the standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, but the Base does offer an available 6-speed automatic with sport mode. With fuel economy a strength at any trim level, the Base Clubman produces 35 mpg highway/28 city.

Outside, the front of the Base Clubman is almost identical to the hardtop. The Clubman is, however, distinguished by the right-side clubdoor (a small additional door meant to facilitate entry to and exit from the rear), as well as the split rear barn doors (in lieu of a single hatch).

Safety features for the Base, such as 6 standard airbags, antilock brakes and tire pressure monitoring for the 15-inch alloy wheels, match those found in the other two trims. In fact, even optional safety features, such as adaptive headlights for better visibility with available xenon headlights can be purchased for the Base. The trim can also be equipped with a park distance control feature to help drivers detect objects behind them.

Inside, drivers who choose the Base Clubman over higher trim levels may not feel that they are missing much. 6-way adjustable seats covered in leatherette can be tweaked to add leather, cloth or heat for the front. Larger and lower sport seats are an option for the Base (standard for other trims), as is two-way lumbar support. The standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel includes controls for cruise and audio: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD player with (new in 2011) HD radio and a one-year subscription to Sirius satellite radio.

If the Base consumer does feel something is missing, never fear, the Clubman offers a massive number of available options and packages. Although they can quickly raise the price, add-ons can include an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system, universal garage door opener and the MINI Connected system (with Bluetooth, a USB/iPod adapter and Smartphone integration), which can include navigation.

Although the Base 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman may not provide quite the same power as the S or JCW trims, it nonetheless offers good handling and fuel economy, as well as its fair share of fun driving.

The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman S trim offers a ride with plenty of pep, using Valvetronic technology to improve the horsepower to 181 hp (up 9 from last year) and 177 lb-ft of torque. The power output can be enhanced even more with the John Cooper Works tuning kit available for the S trim, which increases the power output to 195 hp and 200 lb-ft maximum torque. Although the fuel economy figures for the Base trim (35 mpg highway/28 city) and S trim (36/27) are almost identical, the S trim’s acceleration time leaves the Base in its dust. With the standard manual transmission, MINI clocks a 0-60 acceleration time of 6.8 seconds for the S, while the Base takes 8.9 seconds. The available automatic 6-speed in the S accelerates in 7.2 seconds, while the Base automatic needs 10.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. While all Clubman trims come with standard 6-speed manual transmissions, the S trim offers an available 6-speed automatic as well. And unlike the Base (which also comes with an automatic option) the S provides paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Outside, the S trim provides standard front foglamps and runs on 16-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires (which can be upgraded to even larger 17-inchers). The S gives a slightly sportier exterior appearance, as well, with a slightly raised powerdome over the engine, as well as the air intake in the hood and split rear tailpipes.

Inside, the S comes with standard sport seats (also standard in the JCW trim and available in the Base). Although covered in leatherette, they can be upgraded to leather or the cloth found in the JCW. As in other trims, the 6-speaker AM/FM/CD comes with a 1-year trial subscription to Sirius satellite radio, as well as HD radio technology and can be upgraded to a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system.

Safety features are uniform throughout the Clubman trims as well, with 6 standard airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and cornering brake control. Xenon headlights, headlight washers and adaptive headlight controls are available add-ons for better visibility in the front. Rear Park Distance Control is also available to alert drivers to objects behind the S Clubman.

For the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman with the most power, the John Cooper Works (JCW) trim is the one to drive. Its tuned and turbocharged engine delivers 208 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Its overboost function can raise the power even more to get 207 lb-feet of torque. Available only with a Getrag 6-speed manual high-capacity transmission, the JCW accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

While MINIs are praised for their spry handling, the JCW Clubman offers more driver-controlled options. The high-end trim includes standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) that can be switched off by the driver in favor of Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) for more treacherous road surfaces. Drivers can also take the most control by turning both the DTC and DSC off, demanding full engine power and leaving only the electronic differential lock control system to assist the driver during forceful cornering and acceleration.

Riding on trim-specific light alloy Challenge Spoke rims, the 17-inch wheels feature run-flat tires. The front brakes (with 4-piston Brembo calipers) are visible with their signature red color and exclusive John Cooper Works badging. The JCW’s standard centered sport exhaust tips also help to distinguish it from other trims.

Inside, JCW-specific design elements include the gear shift knob, stainless steel pedals and standard cloth on the sport seats. Like the other Clubman trims, the JCW offers standard HD radio and a 1-year subscription to Sirius satellite radio. The 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary audio jack and automatic speed volume control can be upgraded to a Harman Kardon system with 10 speakers, 480 watts and surround sound. For additional technology, the MINI Connected system (with or without navigation) remains an available option, adding Bluetooth, a USB/iPod adapter, Smartphone integration and voice recognition.