Obviously, the larger Clubman will provide needed versatility and practicality to the MINI brand.

I'm curious as to how the larger wheelbase and added weight will impact the MINI go-cart driving experience that has been so highly praised in the hatchback and convertible models.

Any well-informed predictions or educated guesses would be greatly appreciated.

 

My guess is that the R55 Clubman will continue to deliver the same excellent handling dynamics afforded by the new R56 platform. There is a very cool video over at www.motoringfile.com (You have to search using keywords 'R55' or 'Clubman) of a R55 Clubman test mule being driven at high speeds at the Nurbrubring race track circuit in Germany and that thing just FLIES around the corners...pretty impressive.

In my view, the Clubman will be a total success because the car will have the same handling and performance prowess as the 3 door hatchback MINI on a more practical and shall we say, more family friendly package. Another plus of the Clubman will be better ride quality due to the longer wheelbase.

I can't wait to see the "high" perfomance versions of the Clubman. How about a Turbo JCW Clubman S or an all-wheel drive model?

We are on the waiting list for a standard Clubman with 6-speed auto for the wife. It will be our family hauler. If I like the Clubman well enough I may make the jump also to a JCW Clubman or something along those lines.

 

I also wanted to say that a longer wheel base and an extra set of doors do not hinder the performance of a car as it used to in years past.

Witness the Mazda 3 "MazdaSpeed" version, 5 door hatchback, 0-60 in just 5.9 seconds!

Even the new Honda Civic Si sedan is being recommended over its two door sibling.

We are in the "golden age" of small, efficient, cool looking, high performing "Pocket Rockets". The Clubman, without a doubt, will be the next practical Pocket Rocket hauler to join the frey of very competitive offering in the market place.

In other words.... You no longer need to settle with just 2 doors to enjoy good looks and performance.

 

Here is the Motoringfile video of the test mule Clubman "flying" at the 'ring in Germany. Enjoy!

http://motoringfile.com/2006/10/05/clubman-on-the-ring/

 

The HP/weight ratio will be less for the Clubman as compared to the other MINI models as I understand they will use the same engines.

Speaking of the Mazdaspeed3 - 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque for a BASE price $22,240 (as tested MSRP OF $26,300). Do you think the 175 HP clubman will be able to provide similar performance to the 263 HP Mazda?

 

Well, that MazdaSpeed3 is a true road rocket and has a 155MPH top speed to boot. That thing can put some "Higher" end sports cars to shame.

I am not sure how the Clubman will compare to the Mazda. The Clubman, I pressume, has a newer/more refined chassis and if tuned properly perhaps can easily match it in the performance department. It is very interesting to see what MINI will have coming down the pipe once the Clubman is here. A JCW Clubman could easily be in the 225-230HP range and given that the new engines use a twin scroll turbo, pulling 300HP+ oput of that baby would not be a problem either with minor mods.

I guess we have to pay close attention as to how the new R56 2 door MCS will perform (Specially with aftermarket mods) because that will be a good way to measure the success of a higher performance version of the Clubman.

 

• The MINI Cooper S MSRP is $21,850.
• I suspect MINI will want even more for the Clubman S.
• And a JCW kit will likely add approximately $6,300. on top of that.

 

I have heard that the Clubman will be around $1500-$2000 over a regular 2 door MINI. Not sure whether that is accurate or not.

 

My prediction... the Clubman will become MINI's best selling model in the US.

 

Not quite

 

What advantage will the Clubman S or Clubman JCW have to justify its premium price over the Mazdaspeed3?

 

It's a MINI silly
C4 thanks for that video

Mark

 

Diesel at 50 mpg? Oh yea!

 

I would imagine, from having driven classic mini sedans and my classic mini wagon, that the clubman won't give up very much on the corners at all, and will have a slightly more relaxed drive on the interstate. Mine runs down the lane with far less corrections neccessary per minute..

 

I am now just post-whoring trying to get my sig working. Should be a picture of my car and a little wheel in front...

 

I saw a UK MINI mag April 2007, that says the Clubman will have a suicide, smaller than full, back door (and only one) like the Mazda RX8. Any information if that will be true for the US? (Since the single back door is curbside, they would have a major body panel rework for a US version, so they might as well have 2 rear doors).

 

Yes, it's true.

the rear door, which MINI refers to as the "coach door" will be on the right side only and it's about 12" long.

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