Item: 2008 Mini R55 Clubman
Rating: 2.5

Cooper S and JCW variants have responsive turbo engines
Accurate, well-weighted steering
Provides second row legroom that Mini R56 Cooper doesn’t…

… but lacks the engaging dynamics of the R56 Cooper
For RHD markets, single rear door opens to the traffic side
Firm ride
Poor rear visibility
Petrol engines susceptible to premature timing chain tensioner wear

Review: Mini R55.I Clubman (2008-10)

Overview

Released in March 2008, the Mini R55 Series I (R55.I) Clubman was a four-door wagon. Manufactured in Cowley, England, the front-wheel drive Clubman was initially available in Cooper and Cooper S variants though, in August 2008, the John Cooper Works variant was introduced.

Engines

Of the engines,

the standard Cooper had a naturally aspirated, 1.6-litre ‘Prince’ engine which had a cast aluminium cylinder block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve lift (based on BMW’s ‘Valvetronic’) and a compression ratio of 11.0:1;
the Cooper S engine added a twin-scroll turbocharger (with boost pressure limited to 0.8 bar), common-rail direct injection, infinite intake camshaft adjustment, sodium-filled outlet valves (for greater cooling) and the compression ratio was lowered to 10.5:1; and,
the John Cooper Works engine increased boost pressure to 1.2 bar, had a stronger cylinder head and valves, a modified air intake, free-flowing exhaust and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

As per the table below, these engines were available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Dimensions

Compared to the R56 Cooper , the R55 Clubman was 238 mm longer (at 3937 mm), 180 mm wider (1863 mm), 19 mm taller (1426 mm) and had an 80 mm longer wheelbase (2547 mm). Unusually, however, the Clubman had a rear-hinged ‘Clubdoor’ behind the driver’s door and ‘Splitdoor’ design (or ‘barn doors’) at the rear, rather than a conventional hatchback. Inside, the Clubman had four seats, although a third rear seat was available as an option.

Suspension and steering

The R55 Clubman’s front suspension consisted of a single-joint MacPherson spring strut axle, while the rear Z-axle had longitudinal struts with centrally-pivoted control arms; the Clubman also had an electro-hydraulic power steering system.

Mini R55.I Clubman specifications
Variant	Editions	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Cooper	N/A, Chilli	1.6-litre petrol I4	6sp man., 6sp auto	88 kW at 6000 rpm	160 Nm at 4250 rpm
Cooper S	N/A, Chilli	1.6-litre turbo petrol I4	6sp man., 6sp auto	128 kW at 5500 rpm	240 Nm at 1600-5000 rpm (260 Nm Overboost)
John Cooper Works	N/A	1.6-litre turbo petrol I4	6sp man.	155 kW at 6000 rpm	260 Nm at 1850-5600 rpm (280 Nm at 2000-5300 rpm Overboost)

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the R55 Clubman included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control, traction control, hill start assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features: Cooper Clubman

Standard features for the Cooper Clubman included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary inputs, air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, rear fog lights, 50/50 split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, tinted windows, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

Features: Cooper S Clubman

Compared to teh Cooper, the Cooper S Clubman was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, contoured sports seats and chequered trim; there was also a switchable ‘Sports’ mode which provided greater throttle response, weightier steering and revised gearshift mapping for automatic models.

Mini Clubman John Cooper Works

The John Cooper Works variant was distinguished by its 17-inch ‘Cross Spoke Challenge S’ alloy wheels, ten speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, combination cloth/leather seats, bi-xenon headlights and front fog lights. The John Cooper Works variant was also fitted with four-piston front brake calipers and a front electronic differential lock which could brake a spinning wheel to transfer torque to the opposing front wheel.

Cooper Chilli Clubman

Compared to the standard Cooper Clubman, the Chilli edition added 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system, combination cloth/leather seats, front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, chrome interior highlights (‘Chromeline’) and velour floor mats. Compared to its counterpart, the Cooper S Chilli was further equipped with climate control air conditioning and bi-xenon headlights.

Review: Mini R55.II Clubman (2010-15)