Friday, September 5, 2008

Mini Cooper Goes Practical


OVERVIEW


If you grew up in the sixties, especially the mid-sixties, you undoubtedly remember the British invasion. For all of you whippersnappers, no, we were not actually attacked by the Brits. During this period, America’s fascination with all things U.K. didn’t end with bubblegum rock n’ roll. There were also cool and quirky automobiles that made their way stateside. Many of these cars, like the MG and Austin Healy, became the object of fascination and affection of many baby boomers. So, it was no big surprise that when BMW revived one of these quirky British cars back in 2002, the boomers went bananas. For the last six model years, Americans have rediscovered their passion for this featherweight. Looking like nothing else on the road, the Mini Cooper not only conjures up nostalgia for baby boomers, but is also a fuel efficient and trendy option for younger motorist. However, due to its size, there have been a number of consumers who wouldn’t or couldn’t consider buying a Mini. Enter the Cooper Clubman.

PERFORMANCE

After allegedly redesigning the Mini in 2007, this year’s version goes basically unchanged. This is the case under hood as well. No matter what trim level you purchase, Coopers come with a 1.6-liter four-banger. However, depending on trim horsepower output ranges from 115 to 172. Considering the negligible difference in miles-per-gallon, I don’t know why all models don’t come with the more powerful version. My tester came outfitted with the 118 horsepower iteration. While I certainly wouldn’t call it quick, its short hood and low ride height go along way towards making low speeds seem faster.

HANDLING

Driving the Cooper Clubman around corners, it becomes pretty obvious why people are so passionate about these little cars. Is it going to give a Corvette a run for its money? Of course not! But, will it make you feel like Juan Fangio? Without a doubt!

STYLING

Okay, here comes by first bone of contention. As enjoyable as driving the Clubman can be, operating the instrumentation can be equally irritating. Some of the symbols used don’t seem to match their function. And, some knobs and switches are downright hard to find. Also, I question the wisdom of a single suicide door on the passenger side as the only access point to the back seat. On the other hand, there is more storage space than in the Cooper, and once you fight your way to the backseat, there is more room than you might imagine. Plus, it just looks pretty cool.

JUDGEMENT

Generally speaking, I get the allure of the Cooper. The Clubman version certainly adds an element of practicality that was previously missing.

Jaguar's XJ Super V8 is All Class


OVERVIEW


“Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?” I’m sure you remember these commercials from a few years ago. This is precisely the phrase that crossed my mind the first time I laid eyes on the Jaguar XJ Super V8. I know, I know, the pretentious Brit uttered the phrase from the back seat of a Bentley. But, you get the point. Jaguar’s XJ, while less expensive than a Bentley, Rolls Royce, or Maybach, is still built with one group in mind, the uber rich. From its supple leather interior to airplane-style tray tables mounted on the backs of the front seats, the XJ is all about sophistication and class.


PERFORMANCE


The XJ Super V8, not surprisingly, comes equipped with a V8, though “super” might be a bit of a stretch. Don’t get me wrong, this 4.2-liter V8 is by no means weak. Its 400 horsepower comes on swiftly and smoothly. Frankly, compared to Audi’s A8, the Mercedes S class, and the BMW 7 Series, the Super V8 is quite competitive. Maybe it’s my state school pedigree and penchant for the small block V8 talking, but it just seems like you should get more horsepower for this kind of money. I guess it shouldn’t be shocking to anyone that XJ buyers might fancy me white trash.

HANDLING

If your idea of ride quality means that you want to be able to hit a curb at 100 mph and not spill your tea, the XJ is your kind of car. Every time I drive a Jaguar at speed around corners I’m amazed at their ability to get around a corner with speed and precision, yet not feel stiff in day-to-day driving conditions.

STYLING

The exterior of the XJ is certainly classic Jaguar. Clearly designers in Coventry aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel with this car, and their loyal buyers wouldn’t stand for it, either. The exterior can only be described as sophisticated and sporty. Big 20 inch rims, an aggressive stance, and its wire mesh grill help toward this end. If you are trying to imagine the interior styling, just think of a cross between first class seating on a trans-Atlantic flight and a modern luxury car. It should also be noted that its floor mats feature a kind of shag-type carpeting that makes driving barefooted so relaxing as to almost become a distraction.

JUDGEMENT

Those who would be interested in this kind car probably have very little in common with me. Therefore, I suspect that their hot buttons likely relate more to styling and image than performance or handling. On this basis, a Jaguar certainly communicates a certain message about someone that may be particularly attractive to this kind of buyer.