Fuel sucks right now, cramping everyone’s driving habits and cutting into my beer money. So hey, lets downsize. Trouble is that there is not many options when it comes to a well designed, stylish fuel sipper. The new Mini Cooper Clubman takes all the great things about Mini and makes them better….err bigger in some directions.

Check out the best small car…..

I have always enjoyed the quirky look of the Mini’s, but they were way to small for my lifestyle. The new Clubman stretches its older brother almost 10 inches giving much needed space for the back seat and cargo area. The wheelbase was also lengthened giving the car a smoother ride.

Onto design. Everything in this car is designed. You will have a hard time finding something off the shelf in this car. Some of the ergonomics are not the most practical, but the fact that every button looks and functions different from the norm allows me to accept these shortcomings. Multi colored mood lighting, great materials, and a speedo that you’ll never miss (except for the fact that it isn’t in front of you) add to the interior experience. Ingress and egress to the rear seat is also attainable through the new Club door (suicide door). Once back there a 6 footer can sit comfortably as well as a child in a car seat. The cool thing about the back seat is looking out the driver side panoramic window with no obstructions of pillars. What a view!

The rear doors are also a thing of beauty. Squeeze the handle and the french doors open on their own thanks to gas assist hinges. The space is adequate for two suitcases or groceries without having to fold down the rear seats. There are also two levels of “secret” storage below the load floor.

I happen to like the exterior of this Mini that stretched while going through puberty. The different colored roof (black, silver, or body colored) and rear corners add interest that makes people wonder …why? This car is a great little package which is still the only problem for many people, it is little. This is a car that I would, am considering buying, but can I make the change to such a small car? I want to but don’t want to regret it a year out.

Prices don’t start out too bad, 20g’s for the base Clubman and 24g’s for the Clubman S. I took the S out and it is a fun car to drive. Sport mode makes it even more exciting changing the shift points and suspension for even more of a go kart ride that Mario would approve of.

Go build one one at Mini.com to see what you can come up with. There are over 10 million combinations, making this the best car to build for your taste. The only problem is deciding what options you want while trying to keep the price in check. In that price is free maintenance for 3 years and the resale value is nothing short of phenomenal: 77% after five years. This is a car that is almost an investment. Go check one of these out if your dealer has any. The only way to get one is through ordering. Mini estimated about 15%-20% of there sales to the Clubman but I think it will be more like 45%. This car allows a whole new set of buyers to shop with its added capability.