Our friends at Leftlanenews.com have a few new Clubman spyshots that show a few new angles of the now well known Clubman testing mule. Nothing particularly new about the images but if you look closely at the larger versions you’ll see a less than perfect taping job seems to give credence to the “no leftside rear door” theory we’ve been reporting since early this year. Have a look below:
[ MINI Clubman ] Leftlanenews.com
I can confirm 100% positive, that the R55 “Clubman” has only one “suicide” door, but only on the right hand side.
Last week the first prototype to be built at the plant (as the others have been handbuilt) was produced on the line at Oxford. So there will be five doors in total. Two front, One suicide on the right hand side, and the two “barn” doors on the rear. Having seen the 55, as it’s known by line workers, with my own eyes I can undoubtebly confirm the door situation.
So, put aside the myths and your own opinions and listen to the facts.
Billy, why did MINI decided to build only one suicide door instead of having one on each side?
So the suicide door being only on the right — was it designed for the English driver in mind? So he can quickly get out, reach back and open it??
or is it more of a cargo van concept of the right side cargo area opening up but not the side behind the driver??
Hmmm…really need to see this one in the metal, I think. It looks a bit…ungainly…in the pictures. One of the neatest things about the MINI Cooper is the proportions, the fact that it looks almost as wide as it is long gives it that cute, huggable, bulldog look (I’ve always thought of it as an update, in spirit and character and ‘feel’, of the Renault 5 Turbo 2…which was nicknames ‘chipmunk’ by Car and Driver way back in the mid-80’s).
I’ve noticed a lot of modern designs look much better in person than in photographs.
Now if we can get that Getrag AWD system and another 50hp, we’ll have a WRX killer!
After having seen these photos, it seems that my overall feelings are confirmed:
I REALLY HATE CARS THAT HAVE CLADDING AND TAPING TO DISGUISE THEIR TRUE FORMS!!!!
LOL!
AWD!
Hmm, anyone else notice the old style (’04 and earlier) and the ’05 and newer taillights. It’s got one of each. Must have really been scraping the parts bin to put this one together!
The Clubman has six doors. There were pictures in saturday newspapers here in Britain. Two on the tail, two suicide doors and the usual front doors. Looks awesome when they are all open.
Paper, please Dave?
Dave – if you don’t believe us (with multiple internal sources) just read the first comment on this post.
It was at my mother in laws and they did have a small shot on the cover showing the petrol cap side with a small semi circular indent at handle height. On page 3 inside the exclusive had a full page with all the doors open, non petrol cap side had it’s door open also with the same semi circular inset, it looks like the doors may open independent of the front doors unlike the RX8’s. The piece also reinforces the six doors and they said it won’t be released till 2008 which seams a little long. New shape wheels similar to the five spokes with a oval indent. I’m seriously not making this up.
If you’re talking about the Auto Express “exclusive” they photoshopped a picture of the R56, based on pure speculation. Auto Express are renowned for their inaccurate photoshops which are passed off as real spy shots.
Personally. I think having the door on one side only will be a huge mistake. Reminds me of when they tried to sell the horrid AMC Pacer in the UK – it had a longer driver’s door for rear access but this became the passengers door in the UK!
At least the Pacer was a US import – there is no excuse for the Clubman, which is a British built car with a British brand. They will be selling a compromised product in MINI’s biggest market.
Regarding the Rear Doors, I not a big fan of the 70/30 split doors in the back. I think the prototype photos of the 50/50 doors in the back looks a lot nicer. Besides, the 50/50 doors or more like the classic. Someone please tell the MINI Engineers to make the doors right.
<blockquote>newspapers here in Britain
…On page 3 </blockquote>
Maybe I’ll head out at lunch and skim page 3 of some british papers in an attempt to ahem, find this picture of the 6 door R55. 😉
Newspapers, motoring magazines…..Dave, I work in the plant and was stood there having a 10 minute conversation with all the big wigs whilst itching my chin at the fact it only has ONE suicide door, and ONLY on the right hand side.
P.S – Thanks to Gabe for the back up 😉 lol
Billy, If MINI wants the R55 Clubman to succeed in the American market, tell the engineers there in Cowley that this car MUST have 2 rear doors, not just one door on a side of the car.
Also, I think buyers should be given a choice between the “Barn” dual rear doors and a conventional hatchback.
Thanks for your insight. 🙂
<blockquote>Newspapers, motoring magazines…..Dave, I work in the plant and was stood there having a 10 minute conversation with all the big wigs whilst itching my chin at the fact it only has ONE suicide door, and ONLY on the right hand side.
P.S – Thanks to Gabe for the back up 😉 lol
</blockquote>
Billy:
Sorry if my attempt at Page 3 Girl humor was a little subtle.
I in no way was trying to cast doubt on the 5-door.
Dave