2008 MINI Cooper Clubman pricing announced
February 5, 2008 by George Skentzos
The controversial new Mini Clubman will make its way into Australian showrooms from March 6, with prices starting at $34,400.
The new Clubman, which has been paraded around the streets of Melbourne in an attempt to build hype, has apparently drawn a “not insubstantial interest from fellow road users”.
“The MINI switchboard has reported a sharp rise in reports of finger pointing, neck craning and spontaneous smiling in past days.”
The reality has plainly been lost on MINI officials as they openly describe bystanders pointing and laughing at the awkward new Clubman.
It’s unique single suicide door arrangement means the driver will have plenty of time to stretch their legs as passengers exit from the back seat, whilst the split rear doors ensure rearward visibility is kept to a minimum.
The range begins with the 88kW 1.6-litre Cooper Clubman, priced from $34,400 or $38,200 for the Chilli model.
The range-topping performance MINI Cooper S Clubman is powered by a 1.6-litre Twin Scroll Turbocharged engine that develops 128 kW. The S range starts at $43,200, rising to $47,000 for the Chilli model.
Each version is also available with a six-speed automatic transmission complete with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifts.
Print it: 
How can a company produce a car that is so awkward? I’d love to read a review of this thing.
It makese sense, and it doesn’t at the same time.
So the clubman will fit between the Cooper and the Cabrio Sidewalk. The base line Cooper is still $31,100 still a bit away from its rival VW Beetle starting at $25,990 (But the beetle is made in mexico so its cheaper for them to make, where is the mini made? England?)
They,re fiddling too much with the original formula.
This model doesn’t make sense. It detracts from the original retro design. Retro of the original Mini panel van sort of and why?
Neither as good looking as the Cooper or a practical wagon.
BMW have lost the plot with this one.
I reckon as it appears that they have stretched the wheelbase slightly.. now is the perfect time to think about the possibility of a Mini Ute.. I mean they are already considering a Mini AWD Cross-Over
To Wheelnut
What is australias obsession with utes!
If they make a mini ute, im going to slit my wrists!
And yes I am a guy, I am australian and Im not gay!
A mini Ute would just be ugly and they say women look hot driving them but no offence to any women out there but if I see a woman driving a ute – to be honest – I think “hmm, shes probably a lesbian!”
Alex – I’m sorta with you on that but I reckon a Ute would have a market. There used to be a Mini Ute years back quite a funky thing.
Nobody seems to have picked up on the fact there is only one rear door on the drivers side…the off side.not good for getting the kids in & out. Apparently BMW could not justify the engineering cost to swop it to RHD. Originally a British Car, snaffled by the Krauts!
Love the Cooper S with the JCW go fast bits but not sure about this one!
Having one “suicide” door on the drivers side is nothing more than a joke.
And then trying to justify it by saying it costs to much! Why dont they just say they couldn’t be bothered with the RHD world.
Atleast then we’d believe them.
Perhaps someone should sneak into the BMW headquarters carpark and supa glue all the right side doors on their cars and see how the engineers and beancounters like their passengers entering from the roadside of the car!
I think Australias obsession with utes stems from the fact that it is “our car” and that it is such a versatile somewhat practical car
The farmer who came up with the idea wanted a car that could carry livestock to market and other supplies during the week but also take the wife to church on weekend..
Ford designers modified an old 1930s Ford coupe and the rest is history
I take it that you have never been to Deni?