2008 MINI Cooper Clubman Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Now able to fit even more clowns inside, the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman arrives in Europe in late 2007 and hits U.S. shores in early 2008....
Now able to fit even more clowns inside, the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman arrives in Europe in late 2007 and hits U.S. shores in early 2008. With a wheelbase 10 inches longer than the MINI Cooper's, the Clubman is more passenger and cargo-oriented, with three of those inches going to increased rear legroom and the other seven going to a 9.1 cubic foot trunk - 60% more room than in the Cooper. With the rear seats folded down, the Clubman can hold 33 cubic feet. Not bad for a car that's still smaller than the Honda Fit.
Looking exactly like a Cooper that's spent some time on the stretching machine, the 2008 Cooper Clubman also harks back to the MINI Traveller and Clubman Estate of the 1960s. In place of the wood paneling that flanked the rear window and dual rear barn doors, there is contrasting painted trim. Each barn door has its own handle and window wiper, and the twin doors allow easier access to the trunk. Another handy addition is the narrow third door on the passenger side. Dubbed the Clubdoor, it opens toward the rear in conjunction with the front door and allows somewhat better access to the rear seats.
Engine choices will be the same as the regular Cooper - either a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline 4 that produces 120 horsepower or a turbo version that delivers 175 hp and hits 0-60 in just over seven seconds (slightly slower than the Cooper, due to the extra weight). Buyers will get to select between a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission with sport-shift wheel paddles. Both models feature ABS brakes, traction and stability control, brake assist, a tire monitor, hill start assist, and six airbags, including head curtain bags for all passengers. European models come with regenerative braking and automatic idling shut-off, to decrease emissions, and a diesel engine option. MINI touts there will be 40 color combinations to choose from for both the body and rear trim.
What owners say
"Most owners of the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman love its stylish design and fun driving experience. The car is praised for its handling, fuel economy, and extra space compared to the standard MINI. However, some drivers find it a bit noisy, less powerful than previous models, and have raised concerns about build quality and high maintenance costs."
This was a great and fun car to own! I am glad I purchased the Clubman over the standard MINI. The extra length added a lot more cargo space and back seat room. Plus the suicide door provided easier access to the rear seat. Granted my Clubman was an "S" and it was pretty well loaded with Performance, Luxury, & Technology packages, but I felt like I was driving a $100k ferrari. You get the looks and stares, and the tight cornering and handling just running to the grocery store still sticks in my mind! I would HIGHLY recommend the Technology or Navigation package in any MINI. The LCD integration makes simply settings and tasks 1000 times easier with the idrive system as oppose to using the blinker stalk and button pushing. I have to admit though, I never wanted to take the mini on a long out of state trip simply because it had no spare tire. It did have run flats, but that just didn't give me the confidence I needed to drive 300 miles or more passing through the middle of no where. The worst repair situation I had came after I waxed the mini. I had a large static discharge come off the microfiber rag on the headlight and if fried a secondary computer. MINI ended up repairing it for free, but it took 3 weeks of waiting and wondering. Had it not been covered outside of warranty it would have been a $750 fix. I have full maintenance coverage, so I didn't have to worry, but costs to get oil changes etc. were pretty pricey.
April 24, 2013i just love this lil' thing .... of course on dark blue it have stlye and very very cute, and the interior so classic and comfortable. want friends to hang out with us... my cutest mini clubman, my lovely adorable car.
November 12, 2009For the most part it’s a beautiful car, only cosmetic issue is the fake chrome stuff that peels away from the hood. But recently found out you can replace that with real chrome so might do that. Car drives great. Heated seats, truly a blessing for a first car owner
March 9, 2023What owners say
This was a great and fun car to own! I am glad I purchased the Clubman over the standard MINI. The extra length added a lot more cargo space and back seat room. Plus the suicide door provided easier access to the rear seat. Granted my Clubman was an "S" and it was pretty well loaded with Performance, Luxury, & Technology packages, but I felt like I was driving a $100k ferrari. You get the looks and stares, and the tight cornering and handling just running to the grocery store still sticks in my mind! I would HIGHLY recommend the Technology or Navigation package in any MINI. The LCD integration makes simply settings and tasks 1000 times easier with the idrive system as oppose to using the blinker stalk and button pushing. I have to admit though, I never wanted to take the mini on a long out of state trip simply because it had no spare tire. It did have run flats, but that just didn't give me the confidence I needed to drive 300 miles or more passing through the middle of no where. The worst repair situation I had came after I waxed the mini. I had a large static discharge come off the microfiber rag on the headlight and if fried a secondary computer. MINI ended up repairing it for free, but it took 3 weeks of waiting and wondering. Had it not been covered outside of warranty it would have been a $750 fix. I have full maintenance coverage, so I didn't have to worry, but costs to get oil changes etc. were pretty pricey.
April 24, 2013i just love this lil' thing .... of course on dark blue it have stlye and very very cute, and the interior so classic and comfortable. want friends to hang out with us... my cutest mini clubman, my lovely adorable car.
November 12, 2009For the most part it’s a beautiful car, only cosmetic issue is the fake chrome stuff that peels away from the hood. But recently found out you can replace that with real chrome so might do that. Car drives great. Heated seats, truly a blessing for a first car owner
March 9, 2023Very good performance while getting 30+ MPG. Fun to drive. I love the bluetooth option, the AUX audio input and the keyless entry. The Mini Clubman S is very fun to drive and just big enough for my family of four (boys of 8 & 5). Negatives include a slightly noisy interior and firm ride (expected with sporty nature). I get lots of GAWKs too :)
September 2, 2008I've had this mini for three days. I'm getting around 35 MPH - not bad for the first tank. Compared to my '05 Mini S it rides smoother, is whisper quite and has a useable back seat. Of course, it's also slower and not as nimble. But it's still a blast to drive.
July 11, 2008Bigger Mini--should receive my order in a month or two. third door so easy to get into back seat. gas mileage is aroud 30+mpg
January 26, 2008very nice little car, decent power and great to handle. huge sunroof is a plus, but the shade can't completely block the sun even closed. legroom is very good for such a small car, and the club door makes entry & exist at ease. however, i wished the club door is on the passanger side, not driver. very expensive to buy and the option listing is longer than a toilet paper roll. ride quality is acceptable, but noise and vibration levels have rooms to improve
September 25, 2009This car can be considered a Gateway to the BMW brand - high quaity materials are used in its constuction and it is expensive to maintain and operate. The driving dynamics are good for a FWD car, very neutral in the corners.
August 27, 2013More practical than the British media suggest. Suicide door practical if the driver is usually the only passenger and allows access to putting things on the back seat. Good handling and performance as an urban car, but the Cooper S sensibility emerges when the Sport mode is switched on. Not the most generous equipment level.
May 25, 2008Four wheels. Horsepower numbers you can count on your fingers. One gear. Simply awesome in the turns, if a little unforgiving on the bumps.
March 28, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $24,900 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.5L 134 hp I3 | Cargo Capacity 9.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $34,050 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 189 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 9.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
