Jumbo Shrimp and Military Intelligence now have a new a rival for the epitome of the oxymoron, MINI Clubman. Not that it?s a bad car.… [Read More]The post First Drive: MINI Clubman steps up in size, weight and class. appeared first on Pursuitist.

Jumbo Shrimp and Military Intelligence now have a new a rival for the epitome of the oxymoron, MINI Clubman. Not that it?s a bad car. Far from it. It?s actually kind of wonderful in that oddball, quirky, fun way only MINI Coopers are. It?s just not very mini. In fact, the new Clubman is so big, it?s the first MINI to be designated not as a subcompact, but a compact which is kind of a big deal.So how did the distinctive, diminutive coupe from Oxford, England grow two new doors and add nearly 17 inches to its length" According to David Duncan, Vice President MINI of the Americas, the answer is pretty simple. Executives at MINI talked to former owners about why they chose another car. Not surprisingly most responded with the need for more room and practicality, things the new Clubman has in spades. So while the Clubman may bring a few people into the brand who wouldn?t have considered a MINI 2-Door Hardtop because of its size, the Clubman is mainly targeted at current owners who would otherwise leave for a BMW 3-Series or other small premium sedan.But lets be clear; compared to other MINIs this is a big car. Compared to other cars, it?s not. The MINI Clubman has an overall length of 168.3. That?s smaller than a Ford Focus (1...