Panic-stricken, stockpiling shoppers might have yearned for the berth and depth of a station wagon this week. Sure, crossovers and sport-utilities might be the prevailing trend, but that old, traditional body format has versatility benefits that are undeniable. Which was relatively well-proven by the Mini Clubman Cooper S that spent 48 hours in our possession recently.
We say relatively, because its luggage capacity of 360l is less than average by most standards — that extends to 1,250l with the seats folded. Consider that the Countryman offers a 450l compartment with its rear seats in place, though it is slightly more expensive.I will spare you the tired diatribe about how the brand has abandoned its classic establishment values of compactness and astute packaging.
But you could be grinning as you cough up those Randelas, because the Clubman, like all models from the brand, is imbued with a tangible cheerfulness that makes a person giddy to get behind the wheel. Hitting the unlock button and seeing those big, round, LED irises light up, this practical Mini was like a friendly, doe-eyed creature in the darkness of our office parking basement.
And eager it was to nose through the cityscape. Power comes from the same 2.0-litre, boosted four-cylinder found in many regular BMW applications, yet it sounds so chipper in this state of tune, replete with whooshes and flutters as the turbocharger spools and expels. The tune translates into an impressive rhythm, too, as the Clubman S is always keen to sprint. Possibly too keen: it has been a long time since we encountered such notable torque-steer in a contemporary performance car.
The range begins with a 1,499cc, turbocharged three-cylinder ; a proven unit that has kinship with the now discontinued BMW i8. That costs upwards of R450,000. Go for this Cooper S and you will pay R530,000 before options.