I'LL warn you in advance... there are plenty of F-words to describe the MINI Cooper S Clubman.

However, I have no intention of going for foul-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay's proud record.

The F-words that I'll be using here are Funky, Fast and Fun - because I had the best time you can have in a car when I recently drove the Clubman.

BMW's updated version of Alec Issigonis' sixties icon has, of course, long since proved that reworking a classic can, when done well, be an unqualified success.

Since first appearing in 2001, the German giants' re-incarnation of one of Longbridge's finest has become a firm favourite and is well on the way to achieving the cult status that it's predecessor enjoyed.

When the Clubman appeared in 2007 the reception was a bit more muted. The modern take on the original Traveller and Countryman estates was adjudged something of an acquired taste.

For me, though, it is a little belter - offering all the advantages of its three-door sibling but with a worthwhile boot and, if anything, even more quirkiness and individuality courtesy of innovative features such as the distinctive half door.

The Clubdoor, as BMW calls it, may be a bit of a novelty - and on the wrong side of the car in countries like ours, where we drive on the left - but it does make access to the rear seats easier and is another design statement that ensures the Clubman maintains that all-important funky mini feel.

And while we're on about getting into them, let's mention those back seats. The Clubman's extra length means that, as well as better boot space, there is room for proper grown-ups to make themselves relatively comfortable in them - although to call it a five-seater, as BMW is keen to do, is stretching the point.

The real benefits of the longer wheelbase come in the extra stability which allows you to really have fun with the incredible oomph of the 184bhp turbocharged Cooper S 1.6 petrol engine.

Acceleration is mighty impressive for a small car and you'll race from 0-62mph in under eight seconds and have the power under your right foot to reach in excess of 140mph - real pocket rocket territory. Even in sixth gear on the motorway the power pack responds enthusiastically as you ask for more pace to overtake.

Admittedly the ride is on the firm side - but that's part of the fun of the Cooper S version with it's sporty set-up.

Inside, apart from the extra room, you get the funky look and feel of the three-door with it's large retro centre-set speedo which houses the fuel gauge, seat belt warning indicator, audio system and any optional navigation and entertainment functions.

Below that are the distinctive toggle switches to operate the windows, fog lights, and central locking. Some may feel it all looks a little fussy but, again, it does look funky and is certainly individual.

The MINI is not cheap for a small car and this is true of the Clubman too, but residual values should be high if you decide to sell on and, perhaps unusual in this sector, you are paying as much for style as the substance of the car - the Mini is undeniably cool.

Running costs though are more in keeping with the supermini market, with good economy being helped by the automatic start/stop function, and you can expect nearly 50 miles per gallon on average with CO2 emissions of 137g/km.

Safety is comprehensively taken care of with ABS brakes featuring electronic braking distribution, traction control and front side and curtain head airbags.