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Thanks to the Clubman’s trim kerb weight and the wide powerband of the joint BMW/PSA-designed engine, the diesel Clubman offers reasonable and occasionally spirited performance, albeit nothing approaching the enthusiasm you’d hope for from something sporting a Cooper badge.

The gear ratios are close, while the gear lever flicks between them with precision and a satisfying mechanical action. Together they make the most of a modest power output and scrabble the diesel Clubman to 60mph ...Read the full article

 Optional 17-inch wheels + optional sports suspension = harsh ride. What a surprise!

The Mini always had and always will have a harsh ride - I had to get rid of mine due to it's ride and local speed bumps causing my sciatica to get worse (I'm 38). Oh and I only had 15  inch rims. Tried the new new Mini Cooper and although there is more compliance from the front the rear is still too hard on even on standard suspension. Our speed bumps are angled ramps to flat top rather than smooth humps.

Seems like BMW are not interested in UK buyers with that guff about moving the filler pipe being too expensive.

So what is the view out the back like with the twin rear doors?

Also my local dealer has told me that they have only been allocated one clubman this year. I'm 3rd on the list for nearly a year but there is no guarantee I'll get one before April even if I can live with the comfort and view out of the back. 

Too expensive?

Surely that cost is covered at developement stage and recovered from sales? If not, BMW do not deserve to be in business, certainly not in the UK.

Time for the world to change to driving on the left, leaving your right hand free for slapping naked tourists over the head with a fish..........such as a MINI drivers wont.

In my opinion, the car is poorly executed for UK roads, purely down to the suicide door on the wrong side. As a second car in a family with young children it has to be totally impractical. Makes sense in Europe only.

I think Castagna's Mini estate is a far superior styling exercise.  See http://www.castagnamilano.com/en/Portfolio/Coachbuilding/Woody.html and i'll think you'll agree.  There are a few different conversions they offer for the Mini.  The wheelbase remains the same so as not to increase the turning circle.  Bearing in mind, the current 3 door Mini has the same wheelbase as a late 1980's 5-door Range Rover and so shouldn't need to be stretched further for the Clubman.  Castagna just extend the rear overhang and keep the rear tailgate, which improves visibilty and makes parts costs cheaper no doubt.  The extra door on one side is dangerous in this country rendering it useless.  It's very odd looking in profile view and looks as sad as an AMC Pacer (One door longer than the other).  I think you'd have to be blind or Chris Bangle to say this is a succesful styling exercise.

BMW told me this is a small car, i couldn't stop laughing.  This is no longer a city car, it's too big.  Why are cars today becoming so overweight and very wide?  It's not all to do with safety.  Besides, we don't need armour plated cars to the degree there making them now.

Would i buy one, possibly, but i could never fall in love with it like i could the 'real' original Mini's. 

We are seriously thinking of changing our Golf for a Clubman. It is obviously not a family car but for two people it has much to offer. The extra door will often be useful - do your reviewers never use their drives and car parks? A good shopping car, enough room for two, and a dog, on holiday, and great fun.

I would not choose larger wheels or stiffer suspension; I am happy with the handling as it is.

We too loved our old Minis and I think that we might also love this.

et1:

We are seriously thinking of changing our Golf for a Clubman. It is obviously not a family car but for two people it has much to offer. The extra door will often be useful - do your reviewers never use their drives and car parks? A good shopping car, enough room for two, and a dog, on holiday, and great fun.

I would not choose larger wheels or stiffer suspension; I am happy with the handling as it is.

We too loved our old Minis and I think that we might also love this.

It's all down to personal taste really.  From what you have said, i think you will love the Mini.  Today's Golf is huge and has bland 'inflated' mpv look styling, whereas the Mini is more compact and has personality.

Just picked up our clubman yesterday.. chocolate brown with the chocolate world interior. we LOVE IT.. sure some people may not like the rear doors, some may not like the side door.. but if we all liked the same things it would be a boring world hey! We love both of those things about this car, especially the rear doors , and like the new revamped mini when that came out, people will either buy this car because they love it or they won't!!

I have just ordered a Mini Clubman D to replace my Audi A4 Avant. This may seem odd. However, the Audi rarely carries more than two people, mostly for short journeys in the Isle of Wight where I live. Although I am satisfied with the Audi, I have previously been patriotic when it comes to cars.

Increasing awareness of excessive fuel use made me consider something smaller and more fuel efficient.

We are both Mini fans, having owned several classics over the years. My wife currently drives a 1992 Mini Mayfair, in exceptional condition with less than 30K miles on the clock. She will not consider replacing it.

The current Mini hatch is just too small for my needs. The new Clubman offers adequate additional space to make it a viable proposition. As soon as I drove it, I knew I wanted one. My wife agreed. The handling is superb and the sports seats as comfortable as those in the Audi.

I think that the controversy about the extra (suicide) door is overdone. The criticism seems to be based on the assumtion that all rear seat passengers will have to step into the road to leave the car. Does everybody always park on the left side of the road?.

For me, the door is on the correct side as it means I can put my briefcase and any shopping on the floor behind the drivers seat easily. If the door was on the passenger side I would have to walk around the car to get easy access to the rear.

Overall, I think that the Clubman is excellent and unique. The Mini's iconic status means that it stands out from the mainstream rivals. I have no regrets so far about ordering the Clubman. Unfortunately, I have to wait until April to put this decision to the test. That is the earliest that I can get my hands on the car.

interesting point you make there vectis about the rear door being perfect for the driver... just goes to show that BMW still make driver orientated cars!  lol

 

This clubman strikes me as the same mistake smart had with not doing right hand drive to begin with. The whole car looks as if someone has added the rear end in a hurry. I think it's a *** up.