Clubman [Official] The New MINI Clubman

[KiwiRob]

As said: it's the biggest MINI ever made.

It's bigger (longer, wider yet not taller) than Mk1 Countryman.

But when the new Mk2 Countryman comes it will definitely take the "Biggest MINI ever" title from Clubman ... add a few centimeters in length, width and height ... and ta-tada: Countryman - the biggest MINI ever.

And this is really the problem, BMW has killed the MINI, the 3rd & 5dr should remain MINI, rebrand the Clubman and Countryman as a MAXI, simples, job done.

 

[SCOTT27]

More Cooper S JCW Aeropacket.
I am Sold...

 

[Rainer271]

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/mini-clubman-sitzprobe-4589307.html

 

[SCOTT27]

And this is really the problem, BMW has killed the MINI, the 3rd & 5dr should remain MINI, rebrand the Clubman and Countryman as a MAXI, simples, job done.

MINI is not just the size now , MINI is a victim of its own success. Its growth means that you cannot go back to a singular model. MINI has grown from one car to a fully functioning brand, unfortunately what we have set out to achieve with MINI has been imitated by many although not bettered.

Now we begin the re-invention of the brand to accommodate the new upcoming models which will no doubt continue the progress of the brand but also expand it in both directions to appeal to new and old customers alike.

The Clubman is an example of wanting more flexibility and believe me there are customers that had to leave to our cars when they indeed progressed themselves when they were single in the original MINI and now have family meaning they had to leave for an additional C-Segment brand.
The new MINI Clubman and indeed the MINI 5dr begins to extend the welcome matt to welcome them back.
I have family members who have now came back to MINI because of the additional 5dr which below is what their car looks like.

But I seriously want a Clubman we have introduced a very unique and versatile option in the segment.

 

[Rolf]

I am pleasantly surprised how well this car looks, definitely the best looking of the current new Mini models. It actually looks quite sleek in the profile view,considerably different to previous version with its single rear door now that it has the added practicality of 4 doors as well that split tailgate. Interior looks neat I like the brown seats with black dash.

 

[martinbo]

I'm too lazy to go look - what's the Cd?

 

[Hofmeister]

0.31 for the Cooper D, 0.32 Cooper, 0.34 Cooper S, frontal area is 2.21 m

 

[KiwiRob]

I have family members who have now came back to MINI because of the additional 5dr which below is what their car looks like.

But I seriously want a Clubman we have introduced a very unique and versatile option in the segment.

You can't consider the 5dr versatile it's badly packaged, getting into the back seat is difficult, put a child seat in the back then trying putting a kid in and taking it out, the door aperture is too small and the door doesn't open wide enough. It's a compromised design, it should have been based on the Clubman rather than the smaller 3dr.

 

[EnI]

Geez, Rob ... MINI hatch (either 3dr or 5dr) is a B-segment car. Those ARE NOT family cars.

Putting a child in seat in (or out of) a B-segment car is always quite challenging. That's why people buy at least C-segment car, D-segment car, mini van or a van, a mini- midi- or full-sized SUV or crossover etc. for a family car.

I guess many people know MINI 5dr is NOT a family car - despite having 5 doors. Yes, its more practical than 3dr MINI hatch but still not practical enough. Want a more practical MINI? Get a Countryman (the Mk2 will definitely be a nice choice indeed for a family), or a Mk2 Clubman which is now a C-segment car.

 

[SCOTT27]

Live.

 

[marley71]

I'd like to see the highlighted contour tied together a bit more obviously. It is hard to do with the black cladding around the front wheel, but think it would look "sexy".

Some of the profile views I've seen have it looking too "wagony" to me. Looking forward to more pics and real life to see if this holds true, otherwise it's a smart design. The blue interior with the quilted seats is top notch!

 

[KiwiRob]

Geez, Rob ... MINI hatch (either 3dr or 5dr) is a B-segment car. Those ARE NOT family cars.

Putting a child in seat in (or out of) a B-segment car is always quite challenging. That's why people buy at least C-segment car, D-segment car, mini van or a van, a mini- midi- or full-sized SUV or crossover etc. for a family car.

I guess many people know MINI 5dr is NOT a family car - despite having 5 doors. Yes, its more practical than 3dr MINI hatch but still not practical enough. Want a more practical MINI? Get a Countryman (the Mk2 will definitely be a nice choice indeed for a family), or a Mk2 Clubman which is now a C-segment car.

I never said it was family car it's a second car. But second cars are often used for hauling the kids if needed to. I have a car seat and a booster in the A1. The A1 Sportback has a longer and wider opening back doors than the 5dr MINI, which makes it easier to get my daughter into and out of, it also has a bigger boot.

I had a Countryman, I would not buy one again, it's a car which doesn't know what it is supposed to be. IMO it would have been a much better car if MINI hadn't tried to pretend it was an SUV, on lower suspension with reduced ride height they are much better, I've driven a couple which have been lowered, I should have done the same to mine, it really does turn a pigs ear into a silk purse.

 

[KiwiRob]

I'd like to see the highlighted contour tied together a bit more obviously. It is hard to do with the black cladding around the front wheel, but think it would look "sexy".

It would look sexy if they had made it look like the Geneva Clubman Concept, it's amazing how a few subtle difference make such a huge impact on the car.

Some of the profile views I've seen have it looking too "wagony" to me. Looking forward to more pics and real life to see if this holds true, otherwise it's a smart design. The blue interior with the quilted seats is top notch!

That's because the Clubman is a small wagon not a hatch.

 

[marley71]

It would look sexy if they had made it look like the Geneva Clubman Concept, it's amazing how a few subtle difference make such a huge impact on the car.




That's because the Clubman is a small wagon not a hatch.

I'm sure in some colours, the lines I highlighted will stand out a bit more. All in all it's a pretty handsome car, look forward to more media; video and pics, and also seeing it in person, to see how "wagony" it actually is.

 

[KiwiRob]

I'm sure in some colours, the lines I highlighted will stand out a bit more. All in all it's a pretty handsome car, look forward to more media; video and pics, and also seeing it in person, to see how "wagony" it actually is.

Look how much more attractive the Concept is, same basic shape, far superior detailing, MINI should have kept the door handles and wing mirrors.

 

[EnI]

Rob, your rant about MINI is just getting old (and annoying). We get it: you are pissed, and don't like the products nor what BMW is doing with the brand. Explained by you zillion times.

 

[SCOTT27]

Look how much more attractive the Concept is, same basic shape, far superior detailing, MINI should have kept the door handles and wing mirrors.

Minus some minor detailing the car is 97% the Concept.
You can always specify larger wheels, and chrome mirrors and then especially individual expressions with the MINI "Yours" programme, wait till you see that car.

 

[SF Dede]

Rob, your rant about MINI is just getting old (and annoying). We get it: you are pissed, and don't like the products nor what BMW is doing with the brand. Explained by you zillion times.

Strangely, I find myself agreeing with Rob to a degree. The integration of the mirror and scuttle was a beautiful detail on the concept. It seems to have forced a more forward location of the mirror. I wonder if that resulted in a mirror that was less useful and hence the change. The air breather opening was also a bit taller and crisper. But these elements don't make it bad now.

I would have preferred the concept as well but I still may buy it. It will be hard to wait that long before it comes to the US. I'd really like to see it in person.

 

[ZicZachZo]

Really like the proportions of this car. Only hang up I have is the comparo to the A3 has me thinking that the interior isn't really up to snuff with the best in class but we'll see in time.

 

[marley71]

Here is the example where it looks least like a wagon, almost perfect in this view. A size up in wheels might bring it closer to the Concept.