Mini Drawing New Interest Because of Fuel Prices

Maybe it was the recent introduction of the Clubman, but Mini is saying, nope, it’s high fuel prices that have driven traffic to its website to increase nearly 90%. Last month, more than 900,000 people went to miniusa.com to check out the Cooper lineup. Searches for new Mini Coopers were also up on Cars.com, nearly 40% in May compared to April 2008.

The base Mini Cooper coupe and the new Clubman both get their best mileage when equipped with a manual transmission, checking in at 28/37 mpg city/highway. That’s better than a standard Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla. The automatic-equipped Coopers register mileage of 26/34 mpg city/highway, just behind the Civic and Corolla autos.

Still, for car shoppers looking to move down to something more fuel-efficient who are able to spend a few extra grand on a stylish coupe versus a traditional economy car, the Cooper makes a lot of sense. Sales were up 52.8% for Mini in May, but most of that increase was attributed to the new Clubman model being added to the lineup. Sales of regular Cooper coupes were up 29%, however, and that model was redesigned last year.

Suburban Dad: Which is the Best Cooper?

As regular readers know, I’ve got a thing for the Mini Cooper. I recently got a chance to compare the regular Cooper to the Cooper Clubman and Cooper Clubman S. Which one’s my favorite? Watch and see.

Cars.com Faceoff: 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman, Scion xB, Smart ForTwo

You probably just read that headline and said to yourself, boy, these Cars.com people don't know what they're doing, comparing three cars of different prices and configurations. That would be true if we were basing it on just their MSRP, but this is the Iconic Car Faceoff, so we chose three radically styled yet relatively affordable and fuel-efficient cars.

They're also three of the most eye-catching rides around, for various reasons. Check out how the hype mixes with reality, and where it pays off for each, in the throwdown below.

Cars.comparison: Iconic Cars

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman

Joe Wiesenfelder has already tackled the stronger, faster brother, the Cooper S Clubman, and now Kelsey Mays gets his hands on the non-S version. Complete with a Hot Chocolate leather interior, the test vehicle delivered the type of Mini experience we’ve grown accustomed to. It might not be for everyone, but this slightly larger — yet still thrifty, at 37 mpg — tiny wagon has a lot going for it. 

2008 Mini Cooper Clubman Expert Review

Weekend Athlete: 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman

One of our editors here loses all sense of perspective when it comes to the Mini. When one shows up at the office, he squeals with delight and runs around his cubicle, waving his hands and saying “oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!” over and over again — it's really kind of cute. Unfortunately, he doesn't own a bike, or he could've saved me the folly of seeing if the new Clubman — a stretched version of the Cooper coupe — was a Weekend Athlete car.

Movers and Losers: April's Top Compact/Economy Cars

Fuel prices are high and the popularity of small cars is on the rise. When we see which compact and economy cars are flying off the lots, we’re not surprised. Toyota takes two of the top three spots with its newly redesigned Corolla and Matrix, which had a full month of sales in April along with major advertising. Even so, neither broke the top 10 overall.

The losers aren’t doing terribly badly when you consider the average time to sell a new car or truck is 65 days. 

Top 10 Movers

• 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman: 19 days
• 2009 Toyota Corolla: 20 days
• 2009 Toyota Matrix:  21 days
• 2008 Mini Cooper: 22 days
• 2008 Mazda5: 23 days
• 2008 Kia Rondo: 25 days
• 2008 Honda Fit: 29 days
• 2008 VW Rabbit: 33 days
• 2008 Honda Civic: 28 days
• 2008 Scion xD: 38 days

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S

Both the base Mini Cooper Clubman and the sportier Clubman S recently spent time in the Cars.com test fleet. Winning the race to the full review treatment was the Clubman S. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder spells out the differences between the elongated Cooper and the original Mini, including where its better and where it falls short. He also reiterated all the Cooper line’s faults, which also follow the Clubman S to production. Check out the review and video below.

2008 Mini Cooper Clubman Expert Review

Mini John Cooper Works Pricing

We got to see the new John Cooper Works versions of the hardtop Cooper and Clubman in New York City last week, and they looked pretty snazzy in their red, white and black duds. This year marks the first time the performance-oriented trim level will be created at the factory instead of at the dealer level, which should make enthusiasts happy when they go on sale this summer.

The changes are much more than cosmetic. Turbocharged engines from the S trim levels get more power, up 36 hp from 172 to 208 hp. That shaves about a half a second off the cars’ 0-60 mph times. There will also be new high-performance brakes, sports suspension, exhaust system, modified six-speed transmission and unique 17-inch light alloy wheels and tires. 

The price bump isn’t a small one, though: $28,550 and $30,800 will get you into the JCW Cooper hardtop and Clubman, respectively. Prices do not include a $650 destination charge. That’s a $7,330 and $7,350 premium over the S versions of each car. Is it worth it? Tell us in the comments.

Mini Clubman Could Be Scarce in U.S.

Blogging all things Mini, Motoringfile.com reports that BMW is limiting exports of its new Mini Cooper Clubman to the U.S. While demand will probably be healthy, the U.S. dollar is not, and the company won’t make as much selling the car here as it will in other countries. Italy seems to be the benefactor in all this.

What does this mean to those waiting to buy a Mini Clubman? Go to your Mini dealer now and put in an order. Many dealers are getting a scant four models a month for the first few months after the car comes out in February. Even the regular Mini Cooper coupe has one of the shortest turnaround times in the business. It seems the Clubman will be no different.

Clubman to Have Limited Availability in US (Motoringfile.com)

Up Close with the 2008 Mini Clubman

• Like an overbearing parent, BMW has stuck its nose in Mini's business via the navigation system offered in the Clubman. The system features an iDrive-esque control setup featuring a small joystick in the center console that functions like an iDrive controller knob. The integration of the system's screen into the center speedometer is pretty slick, but if you're averse to iDrive, you're not going to like the Clubman's system. The practicality of the Cooper's rear seats has always been questionable, but the extended-length Clubman has rear seats that you could actually use on a double date without fear of putting your friends in a crabby mood. — Mike Hanley