I'm not fond of the silver panel paint, but the body design doesn't bother me. My question would be whether it compromises the MINI character too much? How does it handle?

On a practical side, I'd like one with four wheel drive, and adjustable height suspension (like a Citroen). It would be a great car for photographic trips, or hauling a telescope out to remote sites.

 

I really Like it.... (a little iffy on the rear pillars but they are growing on me) My BIG disappointment is that we (in the US) are only getting the four passenger configuration. I was really hoping to be able to get three kids in back but that does not seem likely as it doesn't look like there will be a center seat belt. Really seems like a missed opportunity for BMW as the buyers are going to be pretty much the same group that would look at a regular MC or MCS.

 

I rather like what Sniff Petrol had to say about it.

 

. IDo away w/ the kids and keep the MINI

Intersting to talk about group as the MINI owner in US are very different from MINI owners in EU.

 

Looks like Sniff Petrol also missed the boat. C-pillars = .

 

I like it becuase it would be more praticle it seems. I would love it even more if it does have the 4x4 option. I am not too keen about how the c-pillars look, but I think the black color option might look better hopefully. Even if it looks somewhat ugly who cares, as long as its practicle and runs well, and fits the persons needs with space etc then fantastic!! When I have enough $$ to spend on a MINI I will definetly check the Clubman out, and get that for my future car I think, perhaps. Would have to test drive both the MINI S. and the Clubman S and make the descion.

 

I guess it has C-Pillars on one side and D/E-Pillars on the other side ?

Personally I think that the silver looks terrible. The black is marginal, but really I think that they have really messed it up badly.

I still cannot get my head around the R56 - despite driving one (yes it is better than my 2k5 in almost every possible way (except looks).

The clubman version looks (to me) utterly horrific, the bulging eyes are one thing but the butt-ugly rump is just a crime. Did someone let the Mini design team sample the glue that Bungle has been sniffing for the past few years or something ?

 

You and I are from totally different worlds.

 

Practical cars aren't usually my cup of tea, but I might get hooked on one that's practicle.

 

Yes, I guess you're right...if one accepts R56 then the R55 isn't much of a stretch (pardon the pun). That makes sense. I personally never had a problem w/ R56 once I began to understand the "whats" and "wherefores" of the new design. Trust me...there's a lot of good stuff going on w/ R56 that I don't think we have even discussed yet!! So then, from my own perspective, I see the MINI brand as being in the hands of some very capable and dedicated MINIacs and they have done quite well by me thus far....so why not give them a chance on R55?? I simply cannot be dour about the car or the outlook for MINI. Nothing I've actually seen or driven warrants that...quite the opposite! We have worried and fret over so many things on this board and in the end wound up w/ a lot of good to say about each MINI to come down the line. I think, in light of this, we need to welcome the Clubman w/ some enthusiasm...or maybe just try to understand the nifty achievements of R55...or at least acknowledge that these things do seem to take some time to grow on us, and perhaps even that the MINI designers actually deserve some credit!! A new variant should be a time of great interest...and I tire of the doom and gloom e-v-e-r-y time a new MINI shows up. My humble opinion...

And why is this thread not in the Clubman forum??

 

Are they gonna build a woody Clubman? Needs to happen.

 

+1

 

A woody version ? What... that thing isn't odd enough looking for you ?

 

For me, it's UGLY. I don't get it. If you really need more room there are a lot of better options...........
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I didn't want to use the U word. But now that YOU did...

 

That's the whole point. The R56 isn't exactly Pina Farina caliber design. It's kinda like a butt ugly bulldog. Can't tell whether it's coming or going. But, what a great dog!! The uglier, the better.

 

davisflyer apparently used a bunch of other words too, but the saint of ugly cars (Saint Skoda) obviously encrypted the rest.

 

Some do, some don't. It's just like everything. In a year most will like it. That's how these things go.

 

Just wait for the pickup version...

 

I DO like the Clubman (except for silver cladding). I may be off here, but at this point, the only other "competition" in the funkadelic category is the new 08 Scion Xb.
I saw a new Scion Xb in the raw yesterday in the hood. And, it has a thang going on. Spiffy color (the teal deal), not as boxy, and a very functional interior.

IMHO, I am happy to see a move away from the SUV/cross-over trend. Back in the mid 90s, I was at a loss to find a vehicle that wasn't a big SUV that could fit bikes, kayaks, dogs, two pre-teens and was economical. The 97 Honda CR-V was a trailblazer for me.

And, I predict the Clubman will fill, on a much much smaller scale, that need to "downsize" from an SUVcross-over vehicle. All the while filling the need to be a bit different, and supporting innovation and design