Walked the floor today and they have two very nicely optioned Clubmans, one Lightning Blue and Silver Clubman Cooper S and one Nightfire Red and Silver Clubman Cooper.

 

Did you think they looked better in person ?

 

Yes.. significant is the word that comes to mind. They lady detailing the car in preparation of our Auto Show didn't even know there was a side door!

 

That had to be a looker!!! As a lover of Coopers (NFR is a Cooper color) I must say that (with a manual tranny) I really enjoyed driving the cabrio considering the extra weight, and I suspect the same would be true of a Clubman.

 

So where are the pics?

 

I checked out the Lightning Blue one today. I was extremely surprised. I really didn't like the way that the clubman looked in pictures, however in person, I was extremely impressed. I rather liked the stance it had, it is pretty darn sporty looking. I also like how the rear doors open. Overall, I am more impressed with the clubman than I am with the Cooper.

-Chase

 

I like to read this stuff... I ordered so long ago and have spent so much time reading the "it's ugly in pictures" thread... you "I've seen in for real and now I like it" Clubman converts make me SO happy!

(I got to see it in LA, and so I've known I love it for a while... I was kinda starting to worry that I might punch someone for telling me they think it's ugly in person... okay, maybe not punch them, but...)

 

I went to the DC car show yesterday and I agree with you. It is definitely better looking in person and I think I like it better than Cooper as well. Definitely not as big looking in person as it is in pictures.

 

I have to say that I liked the Clubman in person as well. Even the rear doors, which are a bit odd... looked pretty good. For someone who was zipping around dropping off stuff, the interior with its flat floor would be great. I am curious to see how the handling is and how much slower the Clubman is than its respective Cooper (or Cooper S).

It looks like it would be a fun family car, with room for four and some luggage in back. The roof is big enough for bikes, skiis, snowboards or one of those rally-type luggage racks that can hold spare wheels, trunks, the dog, etc.

In all, I was pleasantly surprised. I wonder of there will be a Clubman all-wheel-drive?

 

It appears as if there is one on the way.

 

You are totally right... That's the same that everyone tells me about the car...

 

Ha...betrayed by pics again. Honestly, I don't know why we bother getting all stirred up over spy-shots and pics of the new MINI variants. Once they show up they're all pretty darn good!!!

 

Z3bum, check out the link below and click on the images to see the series of images of the new AWD Mini.


http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/...-crossman.html