Searched the Clubman forum and didn't see it, so FYI the MINI Clubman was featured on the show Motorweek this past week. It's a MD pbs show but they run it nationally on the Speed channel. My ReplayTV DVR picked it up because I have a standing search on MINI. Keep an eye out for re runs, I just noticed it last night.

 

You can see it online here
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/video/roadtests.shtml

 

Thanks for the link, in general they like it - especially the S

 

Thanks for the link. Seems to fly in the face of the bad review everyone is reading in the other thread .

 

I would love to take on for a test drive in February. It could be the future replacement for the "other " auto in my life. I need to make sure it will hold 2 labs comfortably

 

No shockers here...the Clubman package as a whole seems a strong one. I think their only question regarding ample power was in reference to a Cooper automatic, but they were giving the car a pretty good workout. Driven back to back, the Cooper auto will always look slightly less capable, although I suspect for many it will be fine...a similar situation to the cabrio (added weight), it seems to me. I'm impressed that the handling characteristics have been tuned in so well...and this from reading many similar reviews. I must say that I hope folks will value some of the really cool Clubman-specific design elements, most notably the roof profile and contrasting c-pillars. Erase those elements and the Clubman seems far less distinctive and edgy/taut. Just something to consider before dismissing these outright.

 

I have to agree with gokartride,
I don't know why everyone is so quick to bash the clubman. The Mini was just too small for me, so I ordered a Clubman today. I'm not buying it to autocross, but more for utility. My girlfriend and I do several weeklong trips and need the extra room for stuff plus we occasionally haul around another 2 people. The extra legroom will be much appreciated by the people sitting in the back. Those trips to Home Depot just don't work with a regular Mini. We wanted something that is uniquie and still will get 35mpg. I don't know why so many on this board want to bash it?

 

I think some are reeling from the few extra inches added to R56, combined with the arrival of the longer Clubman, combined with news of a MINI SAV....all this has folks a bit rattled, fearing that the MINI and "small" connection will be forgotten/lost. I don't think there is any real basis for this fear, but it's there. Honestly, this board has it's fair share intelligent, thoughtful observers, but also it's share of MINI-nerds, laggards, and know-it-alls. I would not trust my education-on or enthusiasm-for the Clubman solely on opinions expressed on NAM...mine included!!! We're kinda too all over the map.

 

I don't know why everyone is so quick to bash the clubman. The Mini was just too small for me, so I ordered a Clubman today.

I agree with you 100%. That is why I am getting the clubman as well. I have always wanted a MINI, but felt it was just a bit too small. I wanted to stay with a small car that was more practical than what I am currently driving (Pontiac Solstice), get better gas mileage and the capability of seating 4 people. Also, I wanted something easy on the environment. If MINI would not have built the Clubman I doubt that I would buy a MINI and I am sure there are others that felt the same way. I am sure BMW felt they were losing sales due to the size of the Cooper. I applaud them for expanding their line and I am sure it will increase there sales which will be better for everyone.

 

Heard the narrator say "That's almost a third more space for your stuff", and the 1st thing I thought of was George Carlin

 

When details of the R56 first began to surface, I like many others, was "quick to bash" it. Neither the engine nor design changes were my cup of tea, and I let everyone who asked know it. However, like many people I know, the moment I saw one in real life I changed my mind (I refuse to drive one- I might have to trade in my '06 like many people I know did!).

When the details of the Clubman came out, I knew I wasn't going to like this one either. However, having learned my lesson with the R56, this time I openly stated time and again "I reserve judgement until I see one in real life." That was just this past Wednesday as I was covering the San Diego Auto Show. I was still 10 feet away when I declared "Yep- I would drive one". It is so consistent with the R56 design, I doubt many non-MINI enthusiasts will even notice it's 9 inches longer. I am still not a fan of a lot of things about the 2007 interior, and I have no need for 3.2 inches of increased leg-room or additional cargo space. But if I did...

Anyway, all of this just to encourage fence-sitters to "reserve judgement until you see one in real life" (a couple people from my MINI club have ordered one- so it's only a matter of time before I can get an in-depth look!)

(FWIW- The MINI "SAV", aka "the "Crossman"- Not diggin' it either- for now!)

 

I do like Motorweek's reference to the Traveller concept car. In light of this...nevermind the classic version...the Clubman should really not come as a shocker to anybody. That it retains some unique features is pretty brilliant, imo!!

 

I think the Clubman bashing is from Jealous hardtop owners who will no longer be the center of attraction once the Clubman arrives on the scene.

(Just kidding).

 

Oh and the same bashing took place when MINI released the convertible back in the summer of 2004. Bashing is part of the MINI community.

 

Sad but true. It's a pity really...I consider it part of my duty as a MINI-enthusiast to learn all I can about the new models and how the MINI design team/factory went about its work. I have loads of respect for all those folks. I don't need a Clubman myself, but I will be at the dealership when they arrive to pay proper homage!!!

 

I recently checked out the clubman at the New England Auto show and it is a great little design. Those small doors in the back are unique to anything else made, they are really slick. I think the Clubman is going to draw a bunch more people to the Mini that originally would of not considered one because of it's size.

 

I have witheld judgment about the appearance of the clubman. However, after a lot of thought, I don't like the look. The front end is fine and the rear doors are interesting. The space between where the front doors end and the rear doors is the problem. It is simply too slab sided. This is not to say that an MCS is not slab sided, however there is less of it. The more I look at clubman pictures, the less I like it. The MCS looks better with time. I think that a Clubman would look old real fast. The slab side on clubman needs some surface character lines or details to break up the monotony, otherwise we are talking boxy scion look here. The vehicle basically looks like a shrunken down delivery van. It needs something to make it look sportier. Perhaps the spoiler from the MCS mounted on the rear might help. Perhaps, sports stripes or mini flames down the side. Anything to pull your eye from all that empty space. So, count me in the minority on this one.

 

It looks like the link was updated, but it now available on Cars.com

 

I just see their autoshow review, but not the Motorweek replay....

Do you have a direct link?

Thanks!

 

You might try this link.
http://www.cars.com/go/photogallerie...p?aff=national

 

I've said it dozens of times in dozens of places, to dozens of people, but I think it bears repeating...

The same thing happened with Jeep released the 4-door Wrangler a few years back. The purists bashed it for having two more doors, but the reality was that those doors and the extra space made the Wrangler an entertainable option for all those who had written one off because they needed a more useable backseat, etc.

Fast forward to today, and the 4-door is outselling the 2-door something like 3 to 1.

Don't know if the Clubbie's going to ever take that much of a precedence over the R56, but it seems to be bringing a lot of new owners to the fold, and offering a solution to those of us who have and love our MINIs, but need something with a little more room.

 

i totally agree too. the mini was off the list because it was just a hair too small. i use the back seat of my current car and i'm happy that mini answered the call of practicality. the coupe would be cool as an extra car, but something that serves daily duty needs a little more room.

and let's be honest, who doesn't like suicide doors...?

 

+1 here

The regular MINI is just a bit too small for the stuff I regularly haul around. The clubbie has just enough extra space to make it an acceptable daily hauler.