Mini

The new Mini Cooper Clubman, an expansion to last year's introduction of the second-generation of the modern Mini, mirrors the latest Mini Cooper hardtop - both inside and out, in terms of equipment - from the radiator grill to the B pillars. This means the new variants share the 172-horsepower turbocharged engine of the Mini Cooper S and the 118-hp, naturally aspirated four-cylinder powerplant of the Mini Cooper, both driving the front wheels, as well as dashboard, seats, comfort and convenience features and switch gear. And they share the chassis components, as well as the soul, which have earned the Mini accolades on its fun-to-drive, go-kart-like handling characteristics.

Not shared between the Mini Clubman and Mini hardtop is the area behind the front seats and the number of doors providing access to the interior. Stretching the Clubman 9.4 inches and the wheelbase 3.2 inches results in a very different environment for passengers and life's cargo. Virtually the entire extra wheelbase is translated into additional leg room for rear passengers and the revised body work provides a bit more shoulder room for them as well. The most dramatic transformation comes in terms of luggage space: the Clubman offers 61 percent more space (9.18 versus 5.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats up or 37 percent more (32.8 versus 24 cubic feet) with both seats folded.