Motortrend First Drive: ’08 Clubman

Sections: In the Press | R55 (Clubman) Nov 6th, 2007 11 Comments

Motortrend finally gets behind the wheel of a Clubman:

Same goes for handling. Overall, the Clubman S feels no different through a smorgasbord of cornering situations from the new Cooper S we just added to our long-term test fleet. One major difference in the Clubman’s driving persona is ride comfort. Those three-plus inches of additional wheelbase really smooth out the standard Mini’s tendency to hop on bad pavement, over railroad crossings, and the like. It’s a dramatic improvement, and one that, combined with all the extra room, makes the Clubman a much happier long-distance car than the short-wheelbase model.

The rest of the review is just as positive except for one, minor thing.

The car’s only other maddening trait, also shared with non-Clubmans, is the HVAC system’s too small, too slippery, and just poorly designed fan and heat/cool controls. The tiny, click up-and-down fan switch is slick plastic and practically requires long fingernails to operate. Wearing gloves? Forget it. Why not some large, knurled knobs? And much of the center-stack lettering is too small. These are two instances where function followed form, and Mini ought to get to fixing them. Now.

At least they have stopped complaining about the speedo.

[ First Drive: 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S ] Motortrend.com

Written By: DB

lavardera

That’s what you get when you have to look for something to criticize. I’d like to recommend this device to the Motortrend reviewers so they can bone up on their button and knob skills:
Victor

I think the fan and heater controls are good ad grippy. Just a little thin.
Vanwall

lavardera – isn’t that the optional upgrade already offered?
Craig

Is it just me or all automotive writers thumb fingered dolts? I’ve never had any problems with MINI’s momentary action signal control stalk, stereo controls or climate controls. I don’t believe I have more than the normal levels of hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Of course I have used the equivalent of lavardera’s toy as a child. That might have something to do with it. ;)
Ken

The control designs are unnatural and difficult to use. It was one of my first complaints with the R-56. Oh, and the exterior too.
rkw

ThatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s what you get when you have to look for something to criticize. IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢d like to recommend this device to the Motortrend reviewers so they can bone up on their button and knob skills:

I thought it was a very sensible review, and a valid criticism of the controls. It’s ironic that you would post a photo of a child’s toy, because that’s exactly what many people have said the center console looks like. I would definitely prefer large, knurled knobs as the reviewer suggested.
bee1000

When is MINI USA going to add the Clubman to their configurator?! People are going to keep seeing these reviews in magazines and then find nothing about the Clubman online. I thought the Clubman was going to be available this year, no?
robble

no. Available to drive in February although you may be able to order them (in dealership) now.
bluzeke

Probably the best detailed interior view of the third door and its mechanicals I’ve seen. But – the picture leaves me wondering what part of the door is a rear passenger supposed to grab in order to close it from the inside?
Jimskater

Over on mini2.com, and in other reviews, there have been complaints that the front passenger seat belt blocks egress to the back seat. Funny that MT captions a photo of this with a comment re: how clever the installation is.
http://www.mycruiseplanner.net radiationman

Hmm- I’ve used the climate control knobs in ’03s and ’05s wearing thick gloves with no problems…

And I don’t think that the rear passenger is intended to actually close the club door – That would be the job of the front passenger. From my understanding the club door can’t be closed if the front door is already closed and it would be impossible for the rear passenger to close the front door – So with that in mind, the club door would be intended to be closed by the front passenger not the rear one…

← White Roof Radio #199 Your Take: the VW up! Concepts →

Sort by MINI model

Recent BimmerFile Stories

MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

Advertise with MotoringFile

If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influential MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.