"Mini today made official the new Clubman, an all-new addition to the MINI model range. Set to made its world debut at Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Clubman will go on sale in Europe this November in three model configurations: the MINI Cooper Clubman, the MINI Cooper D Clubman and the MINI Cooper S Clubman. In the US market the MINI Cooper Clubman and the MINI Cooper S Clubman will be available early next year..."

This is from a new review on the 2008 Mini Clubman, from Top Speed. It includes various information on the features, design and performance of the new model. Also available is a video and wallpaper / photo gallery.





Here is the link to the full article:
2008 Mini Clubman - Top Speed

And the link to the picture gallery:
2008 Mini Clubman wallpapers and high resolution photos - Top Speed

 

The rear end appearance leaves a lot to be desired, frankly it sucks.IMO.

 

I'm not feeling it dawg

 

I have mixed feelings about the car. I love my MCS but if I had to choose between the Clubman or the much cheaper, faster and better looking Mazdaspeed 3 I'd take the Mazda.

 

Except for the front, it looks like a boxy concept car (i.e. Honda Element) without much classic styling. I really hoped that this might be a viable option as my family grows.

 

Lots of icks over on motoringfile.com about that less than appealing silver trim around the top. Which, can be ordered also in black. Even the Element and the Outback moved away from that "cladding" look.
Interesting link on motoringfile.com to the Business Week article on the design process of the Clubman: http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/08/...lubman-design/

 

If the back wasn't silver, it would look better.

 

The clubman is a simple rear end paint job away from hot looking, and when have we ever been afraid of a little modding to get it the way we like it?
I think it has great potential.
Besides, the extra room would make my Bull-mastiff very happy.

 

I like the back end paint very much...give it time to grow on you (or see it in person) or you risk ruining a nice feature of the car.

Sadly MotoringFile has attracted a large group of haters...it was true w/ R56, too. I feel sorry for MotoringFile in this regard.

 

I think it would look 100% better if the rear was like a regular R56. I don't see any advantage to barn-style doors on a car like this. I don't see it as a plumbers van...

 

I like it!

 

The rear doors are perfect for a Clubman...I think it's appropriate that the car be more true to the classic Clubman then that it be similar to a coupe. MINI went to great lengths put classic doors on the Clubman. Yes, it's quirky, but again it ties into the heritage and that's how we can explain it to our disbelieving friends.

 

Add me to the 'I like it' crowd - I think the silver accent on the C pillars looks terrific!

 

I don't have any desire for one, but I think it looks ok overall. I like the double rear doors, don't like the silver paint wrapping around them. I want to see one with the silver area painted body color, and black at the window corners..... and slammed on coilovers.

 

Quote from UK Clubman press release:

The C-pillars and rear bumper of the MINI Clubman are painted either Silver or Black. The roof can be ordered in Silver, Black or Body Colour.

It's good to know choice will be available for those (moi included) who don't care for silver cladding. I think black would look very stunning, but I do like a blue/black combo.

All in all, I think the Clubman is daring, bold and will be oh so practical. Best of all, it hews to tradition. I admire companies who go against the "all one look" grain. Yea, MINI

 

I have mixed feeling about it, so I can't wait to see it in person.
Those back doors are killing me...

 

I want a Clubman Woody.

 

I hear ya...I don't need one having managed to re-tool my entire existance around a MINI in the coupe comfiguration. However, for those who do need/want/are looking forward to one, I think the combination of added space and very well-designed additional access will be much appreciated. I agree...the car is quirky, but so is the coupe...and I hope that quirkiness will win folks over where "more-of-the-same" approach will not. In any case, as creative/inventive as I've gotten w/ a MINI coupe, I expect Clubman owners will discover other great ways to press every square inch of their Clubman....and access to the same...into service.

 

I like it as an additional MINI to ours .. I can carry packages and dog . Need to check w/ the dealership to see when it can be ordered.. and wonder about the price

 

Yes, and in addition, the added weight of the Clubman may push more folks to get an MCS, further driving up the price. I do wonder how a Cooper Clubman will drive. If it winds up being as good as the cabrio (also added weight), then I'll worry no longer. It'll still be an assessment each person must make for themselves, though...that even happens w/ the coupe.

 

I think the MCS and the Clubman are two different cars and I don't think the weight is going to be an issue .. I don't expect the Clubman to drive as the MCS for me the Clubman will be just to haul stuff around, for fast driving and fun on wisty roads I'll motor w/ the GP

 

I see the Clubman as a way to finally ditch our Forester! For my wife and I, it will definitely be an S. It doesn't have to be the fastest thing on the road but it has to have snappy acceleration. I just hope that I'm not disappointed when it shows up in the flesh at US dealers.

 

That'll be nice actually as the discussion of all-things-MINI will have an opportunity to expand a bit. That'll be fun!!!
If the past is any indicator, folks will fall in love all over again. The car looks good now...it'll likely be amazing in the showroom!!!

 

Me too...Me too.....

Donna

 

Much easier access with a fork lift. The open hatch door makes it difficult to get the lift in close enough to handle a palette of gold ingots.