Comments on: Motortrend First Drive: ’08 Clubman

By: radiationman

radiationman — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:42:05 +0000

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…

By: Jimskater

Jimskater — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:09:21 +0000

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.

By: bluzeke

bluzeke — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:25:18 +0000

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?

By: robble

robble — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 02:16:58 +0000

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

By: bee1000

bee1000 — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:35:47 +0000

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?

By: rkw

rkw — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:21:07 +0000

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.

By: Ken

Ken — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:53:34 +0000

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.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:05:52 +0000

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. ;)

By: Vanwall

Vanwall — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:21:22 +0000

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

By: Victor

Victor — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:03:18 +0000

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

By: lavardera

lavardera — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:56:48 +0000

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: