From the LA Auto-show today.

 

Ummmm, no!

I like to see out of my windows even if you do need to be somewhat of a contortionist to see out of the driver side rear.

 

I don't think seeing out of the rear windows is the point of this car. It's meant to be a sort of ford transit connect but obviously smaller.

I tried to convince my boss to get one for us as a shop car. I think it'd be awesome! What's better than driving around a fun car and getting paid?

 

If you look close the wire fence just behind the two front seats make the club door on the side almost useless.

 

I like it :-) like Calforhelp said, would be a good shop car or for a small business. It would be prefect for my Moms cleaning business. Better than her R56 with her seats down. Its not for everyone but I like it.

 

I gotta agree concerning visibility. Don't get me wrong, I love my Clubman. But there are times when I actually need to see out of the passenger side rear window.

 

They had one at MTTS and it was done up as a catering version with out the wire guard behind the front seats( I think ) . It was very nice! It would make a good small / upscale / unique delivery vehicle or if someone just needed a 2 seater with lots of storage space ( like for dogs, etc ) it might be a great alternative to the Countryman.

I know for my business I was planning on possibly adding Ford transit for deliveries sometime in the next year or so if things keep going the way they are. When I do, I will def. look at the Clubvan as a possibility ( it will get more looks than the Ford and be better advertising - my opinion ).

 

Without question the Clubvan would be better advertising for your business.
I saw one at the 2012 Cleveland AutoShow and they do look fantastic.
I'm just saying that if they are going to block out the windows it should be some kind of mesh that can be looked out of.
Either that or it needs larger side mirrors but that would just look like crap.
Lane changing and pulling into narrow drop off points (Even with a MINI) would be a risky venture without being able to see out all the windows..

 

The wire guard was there because that's where I seen it taking away access to the side club door.

 

This thread rekindled my curiosity about the clubvan. Living in the deep south it seems that even 5 foot tall mom's taking their only child to private school needs a Tahoo or Suburban, it wonder if small business would think it a value. I have seen a few Sions as delivery vehicles, but they are far and few between. It also seems that MINI/BMW does not have a marketing plan for the vehicle. or at leas one that I have seen. It seems to me that they need to get a larger company to start to pick up the van as part of their fleet. When people start seeing it, then perhaps they will be drawn to it utility.

 

Some incentive to even a small business would help to get the ball rolling. But as owners of our beloved MINI's know, you can't squeeze orange juice from a grape.

 

Definitely unique.