I've been inside the Clubman twice now and can't seem to remember if they have a cup holder in the front that will actually hold a large water bottle. My current MC '06 has one of those stuck on cup/bottle holders that came with it but I know I did not see one of those in the Clubman.

Did they make those original cup holders in front of the gear shift significantly bigger? I didn't think they looked bigger and forgot to ask about them.

Thanks for your input!

 

They're definitely bigger than what's in the pre-2007 cars, but they're not huge either.

And you can't retrofit the MINI-Fini or OEM cupholders that mount on the downtubes of the pre-2007's in the Clubman

 

Hmm, I guess they're trying to limit our fluids? That's unfortunate - but if a normal water bottle will fit in there, that's better than nothing.

Thanks for your reply.

 

The problem with the bigger cups/bottles is they are too tall, even if they are narrow enough. I've been using the rear passenger cupholder for that. But maybe I'll carry a big bottle in the boot and refill a little one for the front. I probably need to think about filling the cupholder space with something other than Starbucks.

 

On another board someone very helpfully suggested setting up a quart sized bottle in the boot and running a tube up to the front - a la a hamster's water bottle. I can see it now!

I'm guessing that MINI or some after market company will probably come up with something - here's hoping, anyway or we'll all have to be treated for dehydration.

As long as I can fit a normal sized Poland Springs type bottle in the existing holder, I should be OK until I can refill.

 

Yay for Poland Spring!

 

I just realized my tall/skinny Smartwater bottle fits perfectly in the cupholder right between the seats/behind the armrest. I think I'll keep it there!

 

See, and if you'd gotten a arm rest it wouldn't have fit!

Appreciate your posting. I am 99.999% that I am going to place my order for a Clubman this coming week. Yours sounds beautiful.

 

What's Smartwater?

 

http://www.aquamaestro.com/innerview...FQ-QGgodPWSNfQ

 

Remember - carrying a beverage wherever you go is an American trait, not a European one. While sold in the US - MINI is truly a worldwide brand, and the concept of the oversized drink holder is lost on many outside the US.

Go to any US city and odds are you'll see lots of people walking with coffee or some other beverage - I've been to London and Paris and have only seen the tourists with beverages as they walk about.

This doesn't mean I like the smaller cupholders - I just understand why they're there...

 

...and I'm talking 32 oz big gulp sized cup holder.

 

This is the bottle that fits... and I do have an armrest, this fits nicely right between the support brackets. I'm sure there are other compatible containers, but this one was already hanging around. I tend to re-fill them until they look beat-up... it's my own special method of recycling.

 

Do It, Do It!***pounds fist on table while chanting***

 

Completely understand about the big thirst being primarily American, but I am glad to hear that the standard holders are big enough....and that, as usual, thirsty drivers find a way.

I'll keep you posted about the order.

P.S. club(wo)man, I see you have a black roof on your Clubman...do you have anymore pictures? I am contemplating either a Lightning Blue/Black or a BRG/Black and, generally, I've found it hard to find pictures of just about any Clubman with the black roof. Would love to see more, if you can point me in the right direction.

 

Looks like the sun is just coming out. I'll go give it a wash and take some more pics for ya. I've been waiting because it's been yucky the whole week... started raining right after I washed it leas monday.

You're right... not a lot of Black Roof pics. I think it looks cool. Saw a CR/B clubman pic on here somewhere... I love it!

 

Actually, your color combination is stunning from what I can see. I know someone who has a Dark Silver MCS convertible - with the light brown leather and it's very classic looking, as I'm sure is yours.

If you can take some more photos I'd love to see them - and I'm sure I'm not the only one who will enjoy them. Uh oh, but now I might have another color combo to consider!

P.S. If you scroll down a bit you'll see a topic devoted to pictures of Dark Silver and Black - or hoping to be devoted to them.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2411812...77467712/show/

Here's my pictures. Thanks for the compliment. I think the tint really helps the look, although she's not the friendliest looking thing... Next on the list is new wheels. I'm looking!

 

Wonderful photos. I just realized a few hours ago that Dark Silver is only available for the S version - lucky you! And to see those palm trees - and here I am in February in New York! I'm sure your photos will be enjoyed by many.

Really these should be on a different thread, but perhaps you might link them?

 

My wife and I put Sonic Route 44 drinks in the front cup holders today. I could still shift but I hit my drink a few times. Still, they are actually functional now.

 

Good to hear that and thank you for posting. Hope you didn't spill too much! I am glad to hear from so many that the size has improved enough so we can keep our thirst at bay.

 

I am so glad that the Clubman did not come with the silly hanging cup holder!!!
if I need to carry a bottle of water I place it in the back cupholder, but then again it must be an EU habit as when I am in the car I like to motor .. even after 20 yrs in USA never got use to the US way of driving, eating, drinking, test messaging, put on make up, changing diapers, watching videos etc. all at the same time.

 

There will be NO EATING in my Clubman! I used to eat in the Matrix all the time, but I promised myself this baby won't get that treatment. And, with the bluetooth, it's not really like talking on the phone... except I probably look pretty stupid gabbing away all by my lonesome!

 

Perhaps everyone will think you are singing?