Want more fun to the gallon?

Look no further than Mini Cooper.

If ever there was a car that revolutionized the 21st-century auto industry, it was Mini Cooper. Thanks to this one, we now know that small cars don't have to be uncool, ugly and undesirable. And that's why we are on the verge of seeing a whole slew of cars soon that will have driving characteristics and even marketing programs that are clearly and strongly influenced by Mini Cooper.

Meanwhile, the one and only original Mini Cooper's got game again in 2009 as the Mini Cooper Clubman, a wagon-like model introduced last year, continues to catch on with the public.

The little four-door provides a bit more rear seat room, an extra set of doors for easier entry and exit, and a more "station wagon-like" ambience. Altogether, it's about 10 inches longer than the Mini Cooper we've all known and loved for so long.

The legroom increases by 2.5 inches, and there's about 3.5 cubic feet more cargo space as well. You get a passenger side rear hinged door for entry and exit, and in the back, a pair of really cool looking rear doors that are used to load up the groceries and cargo.

The base Cooper Clubman has a 1.6-liter, 118-horsepower four, while the Cooper S gets a turbocharged version of that engine that puts out 172 horsepower. Fuel economy with a manual is 28/37, and 26/34 with the Cooper S Clubman. Figure on about two miles per gallon less with an automatic.

I haven't driven the Clubman yet, but I'm hearing lots of applause for its handling and cornering characteristics, which, I'm told, are little different from the fun-to-drive regular Mini.

Prices start at around $20,800.