More Clubman Impressions

Sections: MF Feature | R55 (Clubman) | Reviews Feb 26th, 2008 7 Comments

Some of our Canadian neighbours attended the BMW Press Launch last week and got some seat time in the Clubman and Clubman S. Here is what they thought.

My wife and I fell in love with the Cooper, but like many, we found the rear passenger compartment too limited and hard to access. The new Clubman is the answer we were looking for — an interesting, legitimate alternative for those wanting to own a second car. That being said, it could just as easily serve as a primary vehicle, considering its newly-acquired qualities. I wouldn’t be ashamed to ask my friends to sit in the back. I could also run my errands and get away with my wife and a sizeable amount of luggage. Of course, we’re far from a big wagon, but the Clubman is nonetheless very resourceful and versatile.

It’s a good review. Worth checking out.

[ 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman Impressions ] Auto123

Written By: DB

Jon

A decent review, actually reads like somebody that spent some honest time with the Clubman.
Calogero

“With the manual transmission, however, the 118-horsepower engine struggles (in Efficient Mode) to provide satisfying passing or hill-climbing power.”

That’s really too bad.

I’ve never had that experience with the Cooper or the Cooper Classic. ANd yes the extra weight will have a play but hopefully in the future this will not.

I thought I read somewhere that the Clubman was good on hills but I’m starting to think that was the Clubman S.
http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

I finally saw some Clubmans (?Clubmen?) yesterday. They look pretty and there’s definitely more legroom. Review ends ;)
http://miniposeur.blogspot.com eto

I still don’t understand why it isn’t just the MINI Clubman… Is there a Clubman One outside the US?
Evan

Isn’t it the MINI Cooper Clubman b/c it denotes a different body style alone? Like the MINI Cooper Convertible?

I believe there will eventually be a MINI One Clubman for other markets. They debuted with the Cooper, Cooper D, and Cooper S for the Clubman. Gabe will correct me if I’m wrong.

Inevitably, those familiar with the cars will probably call the Cooper Clubman just Clubman and the Cooper S Clubman simply the Clubman S- but who knows?

In terms of the review- good, honest interpretation of the Clubman. After driving one it’ll be my next car. Not sure if that will be soon or not, but within a couple of years at least.
cellularcoffee

“Sizeable amount of luggage,” does he mean a shoulder bag instead of a tote bag?

The slope down roof-line and the barnyard doors make the loading at the back awkward. Regardless, the space is limited for the amount of footprint it occupies.

The passenger side looks good with the extra door but the drive side with the extended quarter panel makes the clubman looking like a limo, not a sporty-look.
Bob W

A couple of weeks ago, the wife and I took a Cooper Clubman on a 30 mininute test drive. It was nice.No really! Ok, the car felt heavy, but the steering was nimble, the acceleration was quite responsive and the heated seats were 3 levels of warm. It was like being in a regular MINI looking front but with soooo much room when you looked back. It was like driving a very good small stationwagon (and I do Love stationwagons). But it wasn’t untill we then test drove the ’08 Cooper. The smiles came back and a few giggles as well…The happy feeling of the cooper a mini cooper,[ up sorry, no need to break into song]. Um well I guess we’re just too juvinial… um…just not Clubman type people.

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