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Mini has pulled off the icon revival act of the century by growing a new and vastly superior subcompact sports car from a few well chosen genes of the original. This old/new hybrid took root at the start of the decade, matured with the introduction of a second-generation design in 2007, and gained momentum in the teeth of the recession. After a peak sales year in 2008, the current 100 US Mini dealers expect to move 45,000 cars in calendar 2010 thanks in part to an impressive 18-percent rise in September sales over 2009 volume.

Acknowledging the fact that it's difficult to remain an adolescent forever, Mini expanded its lineup with a longer wheelbase Clubman model for the 2008 model year. A longer wheelbase, a third entry door, and what Mini USA calls rear barn doors are the key features. As with other Minis, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available with two 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engines: the standard Cooper Clubman is normally aspirated, the Cooper S is turbocharged and intercooled. For 2011, a mid-cycle refresh applies to the whole family of two- and three-door Minis.