Section: Reviews
Aug 25th, 2008
We’ve had an enormous number of requests for a couple reviews over the past few months. First up are of course the two new JCW MINIs. And then there is continued interest (yes from MINI owners) of the 135i - specifically the manual which we haven’t tested yet. So we’ve been busy working with BMW and MINI to get these cars and in turn get our reviews out to our loyal readers. continued →
Aug 13th, 2008
Okay, a $75,000 BMW isn’t exactly MINI competition. But it is a review that some of you may find interesting from a auto enthusiast’s point of view. Oh and it’s from our sister publication BimmerFile. Go check it out.
+ BimmerFile Review: M3 Convertible
Advertisement
Jul 3rd, 2008
It doesn’t get much further removed from the MINI than a $60k BMW M3 sedan, but think of them as kindred spirits. And the M3 is one of those “it” cars for 2008 that simply makes for a fun review and a good comparison to the small car we all love. As you may have guessed it, our sister site BimmerFile was able to get their hands on an M3 sedan for a full week’s test. A highly recommended read if you’re at all interested in one of the ultimate sports sedans out there.
+ BimmerFile Review: BMW M3 Sedan
Jun 26th, 2008
The 135i may not be a MINI, but it’s one of the most talked about cars of the moment on MotoringFile and our sister publication BimmerFile just wrapped up a full week’s worth of driving it. A highly recommended read if you’re at all interested in the smallest of BMWs and (dare we say it) the most MINI like.
+ BF Review: BMW 135i Auto
Advertisement
May 30th, 2008
The idea of bigger MINI can seem like an anomaly. For those not familiar with the car, the entire concept seems at odds with the brand. Why would anyone want a slightly larger MINI. At what point does a larger MINI become just another car? And if a larger MINI doesn’t reflect the character of the brand, how does BMW expect this car to be successful?
Luckily BMW had all this in mind (along with some good instincts) when designing and engineering the car. In my week with the Clubman I found that it does the unthinkable by offering more space but retaining 90% of what auto enthusiasts love about the MINI. The handling and feel that have always made the MINI feel so special is almost all there. And to anyone but the enthusiast, the difference is probably barely noticeable.
In return the Clubman offers up both extra space and a unique character that the MINI coupe doesn’t have. There’s a whimsical feel to the Clubman from the rear wipers to the hidden handle on the 3rd door. It’s the kind of car that you feel connected to on a level that belies what it really does - get you from point A to point B. continued →
May 6th, 2008
If you haven’t noticed we tend to review new MINIs and BMWs in two phases. The first is at the press launch where we’re invited to drive the cars on predetermined roads and in some cases tracks. While this opportunity is a great way to allow a first drive in the cars before their release, it’s often not enough time to thoroughly review it. Hence the second phase where we get a car for a week for a full test. That means we commute in it, head for the twisties in it and about anything else you can imagine to give us the best information possible for a review.
Last year’s test of the then new r56 on the Dragon was an ideal way to get to know the car and to form some long lasting opinions on it. This year we’ll be testing the Clubman MCS in slightly different circumstances. It’ll be a road trip around the midwest with two to three people with luggage and open road. continued →
Advertisement
Apr 10th, 2008
If you own a dog and a MINI, it’s likely the two come in contact from time to time. And when they do there’s usually a cringe-worth moment the first time those little paws hit the seats. Pooch Style’s car mats are intended to eliminate that moment.
We tested a black seat mat to see if it not only stood up to our tests but our dog’s as well.
When I opened the kit I could not help noticing the care that went into packaging the cover and the included information, instructions and even a biscuit for the pooch. There’s no question Pooch Style makes an effort to thank you for your purchase. It’s obvious that they are a small company who aren’t afraid to show that personal touch - something I appreciated. continued →
Mar 10th, 2008
The following review coincides with the Smart’s launch in the US and therefore will be reviewed in relation to that specific market.
On paper the Smart micro-car is as revolutionary an ideas as the original MINI. The Smart is mid-engined, small and efficient in both space and economy. The Smart Fourtwo (the only Smart made these days) comfortably seats two while offering a boot not too different from the MINI’s own. However the big difference in terms of space is that lack of rear seats that the MINI offers.
The other big difference? Where the MINI is one of the most entertaining new cars I’ve ever driven, the Smart is easily the worst. And I’m not talking about just mediocre. The Smart’s driving experience is truly appalling. In fact, as much as I’m aware of the 10-12 month waiting lists, I honestly can’t imagine anyone buying this car after a test drive. continued →
Advertisement
Mar 4th, 2008
Well, maybe not so much about the Clubman as it is an open letter from Jim Kenzie to Jeremy Clarkson and his earlier review at the London Times. Here’s an excerpt:
Jeremy Clarkson, you can be such a Nigel. You rubbished the Mini Clubman a few fortnights ago. “One of the worst cars in the world”?
Bollocks.
You surely have driven Russian-built Ladas and Romanian-built Dacias.
Your initial whinge was that the Clubman’s single rear door is on the right side of the vehicle, which dumps the sprogs out into the traffic in England.
Well, boo-hoo. The single rear door is on that side because most of Clubman’s customers drive on the right side of the road – the “right” side, Jeremy old bean.
continued →
Mar 2nd, 2008
Cnet has their chance with the Clubman and Clubman S. Overall they liked it, as well the R56, but they had some reservations.
There’s no doubt that the Mini Cooper Clubman will have its loyal followers. Its signature Mini styling cues, along with some model-specific features, definitely attract attention. But unless you’re willing to spring for the more powerful engine, be prepared to curse those steep city streets. And for $25k, there are plenty of other cars that could make it up the hill. Although the alternatives might not look as hip.
[ First drive: MINI Cooper Clubman ] Cnet.com
Feb 26th, 2008
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. continued →
Feb 19th, 2008
Here’s another BimmerFile review more than a few MINI owners may enjoy. While the new BMW M3 won’t be cross-shopped to often with the MINI (even that upcoming factory JCW) we figure most people here like fast cars. And well, the M3 is a bloody fast car.
+ BimmerFile Review: BMW M3
Feb 19th, 2008
In what will be another long stream of reviews now that the Clubman is officially in the US, Motortrend gives us their take, starting with some love for the automatic transmission.
Laugh if you want, but I’m also raving about the six-speed automatic transmission. I didn’t ask for it, but turns out it’s probably the only thing keeping me shiny side up, rubber side down.
Oh, wait. Maybe not.
The automatic transmission is good, but not without flaw. On some of the steeper uphill switchbacks, there is delay before it kicks down to first. The wheelspin I can deal with, but what I can’t stand is the drop in momentum — the Empire must be defeated, Middle Earth must be saved.
continued →
Feb 18th, 2008
The MINI Clubman is not the MINI reinvented. It’s not Americanized, supersized, or dumbed in any way. Instead what we have in the Clubman is the largest, most spacious MINI possible that still looks and performs like a MINI.
Yes the Clubman has more rear legroom and cargo space. 3.1 inches of extra legroom and 6.3 inches of extra storage space in the boot. That, along with various space saving nooks and crannies give the Clubman decidedly more versatility than the hardtop R56 MINI. But MINI was serious about creating something special inside the Clubman as well. The rear interior of the car (from the B-pillar forward it’s identical to the R56) was designed by the same interior designer who created the current interiors for Rolls Royce. While the quality of components may not be the same (no surprises there) the attention to detail and craftsmanship is obvious. continued →
Feb 17th, 2008
Over the years we’ve reviewed a handful of MINI competitors in an effort to bring you the best of the automotive world through the eyes of a MINI owner. Today we have another. However now that we have BimmerFile as our BMW outlet, we’re going to move all of our BMW related content (even cars we would call MINI competitors) over to the new sister site. And that starts with this review.
So with that said, we bring you our first review of the new BMW 135i - a car more than a few MINI owners have an eye on. You can check it out at BimmerFile.
+ BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i
Browse Pages:
Next Page »
