Mentioned the John Cooper Works version of the MINI Clubman back on 7 December and have finally got the chance to drive it. There was a harshness to the ride that began to irritate after a while – the concrete sections of the M11 were particularly spine-jarring – but, as with all MINIs, the pin-sharp handling means you forgive it a lot. Interesting you don’t see too many Clubmans around. Despite what the company says, the estate-style body is still only marginally more practical than the hatchback. It isn’t a family car, it’s a two-seater with a small boot and a spacious parcel shelf that just happens to be shaped like two more seats. The Countryman SUV (above), is MINI’s first four-door, and can be specced with either two separate rear seats or a bench. It will be fascinating to see how much passenger space it really offers, and whether it will be bought as sensible transport by families, or as the latest lifestyle vehicle by people without to kids to cart. It will be at the Geneva Motor Show next month, from where I’ll be reporting.
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