Join the Mini Club... man

The interior of the Mini Cooper Clubman is no different from that of the shorter version. The tachometer is in front of you, mounted to the steering column. The pie-sized speedometer is in the center of the dash, between the seats. Various warning lights are inside the ring of numbers.

Clever design pushes aside function in some places. The radio controls are tricky to figure out, but they look great. The bunch of buttons under the speedometer are arranged in the shape of the winged Mini logo. But since that only allows for a single knob, the volume is set far down and away from the tuning knob and other controls.

The Mini is unapologetic about its size - after all, that's the whole point - so there's little attempt to make the interior feel roomy. Narrow window glass keeps you constantly aware that you are in a confined space. Handsome body-colored leather armrests, when not being used as armrests, become arm obstacles, instead.

NEXT: Drive time