Media Review

Body roll is minimal, even in high-speed turns, and the car's exceptional stiffness simply enhances the feeling of stability and control. Body roll is minimal, even in high-speed turns, and the car's exceptional stiffness simply enhances the feeling of stability and control. For a car that has the smallest exterior of any four-passenger vehicle on the road, the Mini is surprisingly spacious inside... [The optional SMG transmission] swaps gears as quickly as any dual-clutch gearbox and even matches revs when we call for a downshift. The unique hinges [MINI has] developed for the rear barn doors are impressive. Among front-wheel-drive performance cars, this is about as good as it gets in the handling department. ...[The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman's] lengthened wheelbase nets more cargo area and enhanced rear-seat accommodations...