The MINI Cooper Clubman’s complete redesign for the 2016 model year exemplifies top-notch engineering work. This is one heck of a fun vehicle to drive. And it’s a mighty fine ride for front and rear occupants inside a very roomy and very quiet cabin. During a week-long test drive, the Cooper S Clubman proved itself over and over as a praiseworthy utility wagon with 47.9 cubic feet of stow space when the rear seats are folded. A nifty two-door tailgate makes loading/ unloading an easy task. And there’s plenty of headroom and legroom in front and back seats, even for a 6-foot-4 rider.

Powering the Cooper S Clubman is a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder releasing 189 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 207 pounds-feet of peak torque at 1250 rpm. (The base Cooper Clubman is powered by a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology.) Engine mates to an optional 8-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual, or 6-speed automatic transmission. As the biggest MINI yet, the 105.1-inch wheelbase Cooper Clubman is decadent joy-on-wheels. The driving enthusiast can choose from three driving modes. Test driven Cooper S Clubman with automatic transmission collects estimated miles per gallon of 24 city/34 highway and carries a starting MSRP of $27,650.