Battle of the Road Trip Cars

Sections: Awards | R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Hatch) May 23rd, 2008 6 Comments

2 different lists hit our radar this week. First was the ’07 list from Kelly Blue Book, who choose the R56 MINI Cooper.

Even though the redesigned 2007 MINI Cooper is both larger and more powerful than its predecessor, highway fuel economy has actually increased from 35 to 40 mpg. Combined with a newly improved highway ride, the latest MINI Cooper makes a pleasant companion on straight stretches, in twisty canyons and at thieving gas pumps.

Over at CNN Money, they revised the list for ’08 and choose the MINI Cooper Clubman.

The standard-length Mini Cooper made Kelley Blue Book’s list last year. But while the Mini has always been fun to drive, and it’s easy on gas, it lacked a place to put more than a night’s worth of luggage.

The Clubman answers that need with about 8 inches of extra storage space behind the back seats, accessed through a barn-door style tailgate.

I can tell you that a MINI Cooper (R50) is a great road trip car. I can only imagine the Clubman being equally good, if not slightly better.

Thanks everyone for sending this in!

[ Best Road Trip Cars - 2007 ] Kbb.com

[ 10 top road-trip cars - 2008 ] CNNMoney.com

Written By: DB

C4

I can attest to the fact that the MINI Clubman is a more comfortable highway cruiser due to the longer wheelbase (Less choppy ride), better dampened suspension, better seats and excellent response from the turbocharged Prince.

And the fuel economy is icing on the chocolate bar.
BillW.

Just having logged 600 highway miles this week on my ’08 Cooper S, I can attest to its road trip bona fides. Maybe a little more forgiving on expansion joints if it had the non-sport suspension but for the other 80% of my driving I need that for the twisties. Surprisingly comfortable over distances, even with the leatherette seats. (if they had the lumbar support in them I’d be all set).
Matt

the current seats are incredible (I have sport)
Ralph

2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman/ Quick Drive from Cars.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3RlYUnUFqI
Jon

Wouldn’t hesitate to take either for a long journey. Two fantastic little cars.
http://www.chicagonorthshorehome.com Jason Hartong

My new MINI is a fantastic road car and I’ve taken it on long journeys. It rides really well and if your not careful it can easily cruise into triple digits. The road manners are exceptional as it handles like a much bigger car on motorways.

I used to have a 1st generation Cooper S and it was pretty jolting at times on long road trips. The new model has all the right characteristics for either sporty driving or motorway cruising. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it to Alaska and back if I had the time. Brilliant car.

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MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

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