2009 MINI Cooper Clubman Safety Review

May 8, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Not yet tested
IIHS

Not yet tested
NHTSA

Silly split rear doors block rearview
Car and Driver

The 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman hasn’t yet been tested by the federal government or the insurance-affiliated IIHS, but if the base MINI Cooper's safety ratings are any indication, drivers should have nothing to worry about. The regular MINI Cooper is one of the highest-rated compact cars tested by NHTSA and the IIHS, and while the MINI Cooper Clubman features somewhat different architecture, the chances are good that its ratings will live up to the precedent established by the baby Cooper.

While there aren't any crash-test ratings out for the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman, TheCarConnection.com does have the latest information on the Cooper Clubman's safety equipment, and the list of standard features is impressive. MyRide.com reviewers point out that standard safety features on the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman "include dual front airbags, seated-mounted front side airbags, curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows, [and] a tire-pressure monitor." Kelley Blue Book adds that all 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman models feature "anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist," while "traction control, and electronic stability control and brake cornering control" also come standard. Autoblog reviewers appreciate the capabilities of the stability control, proclaiming that the "MINI's slip control system worked great" during their test drive and "managed the speed of the individual wheels quietly without jerking the steering wheel around or even the car." Kelley Blue Book also reports that "Hill Start Assist is standard with manual transmission" versions of the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman lineup.

The 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman has very few glaring safety problems, but many drivers will likely find that the rear doors impede visibility. MyRide.com reports that "the line where the rear doors comes together is a bit of a distraction in the rearview mirror," while Car and Driver says that the "silly split rear doors block [the] rearview."

Conclusion

With standard electronic stability control and a wealth of airbags, the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman is a safe and appealing small-car choice.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Not yet testedIIHSNot yet testedNHTSASilly split rear doors block rearviewCar and Driver The 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman hasn’t yet been tested by the federal government or the insurance-affiliated IIHS, but if the base MINI Cooper's safety ratings are any indication, drivers should have nothing to worry about. The regular MINI Cooper is one of the highest-rated compact cars tested by NHTSA and the IIHS, and while the MINI Cooper Clubman features somewhat different architecture, the chances are good that its ratings will live up to the precedent established by the baby Cooper. While there aren't any crash-test ratings out for the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman, TheCarConnection.com does have the latest information on the Cooper Clubman's safety equipment, and the list of standard features is impressive. MyRide.com reviewers point out that standard safety features on the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman "include dual front airbags, seated-mounted front side airbags, curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows, [and] a tire-pressure monitor." Kelley Blue Book adds that all 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman models feature "anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist," while "traction control, and electronic stability control and brake cornering control" also come standard. Autoblog reviewers appreciate the capabilities of the stability control, proclaiming that the "MINI's slip control system worked great" during their test drive and "managed the speed of the individual wheels quietly without jerking the steering wheel around or even the car." Kelley Blue Book also reports that "Hill Start Assist is standard with manual transmission" versions of the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman lineup. The 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman has very few glaring safety problems, but many drivers will likely find that the rear doors impede visibility. MyRide.com reports that "the line where the rear doors comes together is a bit of a distraction in the rearview mirror," while Car and Driver says that the "silly split rear doors block [the] rearview." ConclusionWith standard electronic stability control and a wealth of airbags, the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman is a safe and appealing small-car choice. 2009 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN STYLING | [10 out of 10] Jalopnik: "Preserves much of the styling moxie possessed by the original" Car and Driver: "Cuteness, with attitude" MyRide.com: "Same avant-garde interior as the MINI Cooper" The regular MINI Cooper had loads of curb appeal and an ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 MINI Clubman is small, but it's not a garden-variety subcompact like a Ford Focus or a Toyota Corolla. It has a distinctly sporty feel that places it apart from those other on-a-strict-budget vehicles. The Chevrolet HHR SS and Dodge Caliber SRT4 are two competent high-performance versions of otherwise pedestrian domestic cars, but they offer capable versatility with impressive power and handling. The A3 is another out-of-class MINI competitor, though with a few options, a Cooper S Clubman will quickly reach Audi pricing territory.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman near you

See the MINI Cooper Clubman in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy